American Oversight Sues IRS Over Trump Admin’s Escalating Political Attacks Against Harvard
The Harvard case is a bellwether in the Trump administration's widening attacks on entities committed to the public good.
On Monday, nonpartisan watchdog American Oversight filed suit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the U.S. Department of Education for unlawfully withholding records pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) related to the Trump administration’s unprecedented political attacks against Harvard University and its improper attempt to direct the IRS to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status.
The administration’s sweeping attacks on Harvard represent an escalation in its broader campaign to use the levers of government to punish disfavored institutions — including universities, foundations, and other civil society groups that serve children, seniors, veterans, and other vulnerable communities — premised on its unfounded belief that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are discriminatory.
“The Trump administration is abusing the power of the federal government to punish its perceived enemies and silence dissent. Make no mistake: They are coming for other universities, government watchdogs, and civil society organizations,” said Chioma Chukwu, Executive Director of American Oversight. “The IRS exists to enforce tax law impartially — not to be weaponized to carry out President Trump’s political vendettas under the guise of civil rights enforcement. This lawsuit aims to expose the administration’s true motives and stop this dangerous abuse of power before it escalates further.”
The lawsuit follows the Trump administration’s escalating attacks on Harvard, including a controversial letter from federal officials demanding the university ban DEI programs and implement “viewpoint diversity” in admissions and hiring. After Harvard rejected these demands, President Trump publicly called for the IRS to revoke the university’s tax exemption — a move widely viewed as politically motivated and lacking credible legal basis. Last Thursday, the administration went even further, launching a highly unusual Justice Department investigation under the False Claims Act — a move that reflects an increasingly aggressive and punitive approach.
On April 17, American Oversight filed FOIA requests seeking communications between the IRS or Department of Education and the White House. Despite granting expedited processing, the IRS failed to comply with legal deadlines to produce the records. The lawsuit highlights a growing, deliberate pattern by the Trump administration to weaponize federal agencies against universities, watchdog groups, and civil society organizations.
The administration’s efforts extend far beyond higher education. Through sweeping executive orders, the administration has directed federal agencies to review contracts and funding for nonprofit organizations that aid immigrant communities or challenge government policy. Another order instructs agencies to consider denaturalization actions against individuals affiliated with groups deemed unacceptable by the administration’s shifting political criteria. Additionally, reporting indicates that environmental and conservation organizations could be targeted and stripped of their tax-exempt status for advocating action on climate change.