The Trump administration is putting heavy pressure on Harvard University following its refusal to change its admissions, hiring and curriculum policies. Following the refusal, federal funding of $2.2 billion has already been cut, and now the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is considering revoking Harvard's tax-exempt status, which could cost it hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

At the same time, the US Department of Homeland Security is threatening to revoke the university's ability to admit foreign students.

Under US law, the IRS may revoke tax-exempt status from an organization if it does not meet eligibility requirements, which include: not engaging in politics and not-for-profit activities. Harvard claims that there is no legal basis to revoke its status and is threatening legal action if that happens.