Trump threatens Harvard's tax-exempt status after freezing US$ 2 bil. funding

In the United States, President Donald Trump threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status on Tuesday, accusing the university of promoting political agendas contrary to public interest.

The Trump administration has frozen over 2.2 billion U.S. dollars in federal grants and contracts to Harvard after the university rejected demands to overhaul its academic programs, including eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and increasing cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Harvard's president hit back saying, "The university will not surrender its independence or its constitutional rights."

Former President Barack Obama praised Harvard's stance and urged other institutions to defend academic independence.