Watchdog Group Sues IRS Over Records on Trump’s Actions Against Harvard
May 19, 2025
A nonprofit watchdog group, American Oversight, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for allegedly withholding records related to President Trump’s actions against Harvard University. The lawsuit, filed in D.C. District Court, seeks to compel the IRS, the Department of Treasury, and the Department of Education to release records that American Oversight claims are being unlawfully withheld from the public.
American Oversight, which was created in 2017 in response to President Trump’s first term, has been actively working to release government information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The group made a FOIA request in April for White House communication records regarding Trump’s recent actions against Harvard, but according to a press release, the IRS failed to comply with legal deadlines to produce the records.
The White House has been critical of Harvard and other Ivy League schools for not doing enough to protect Jewish students on campus amid protests against the war in Gaza. In April, the Trump administration froze more than $2.2 billion in university grants after Harvard rejected the White House’s demands to eliminate DEI programs, screen international students, and ensure “viewpoint diversity” in its hiring. In May, the White House announced it would cut another $450 million in grants to Harvard, and Trump insisted that the school should lose its tax-exempt status.
Chioma Chukwu, executive director of American Oversight, stated that the lawsuit is not just about Harvard but about President Trump using the levers of the federal government to punish his critics and silence anyone who pushes back against his agenda. “Today it’s Harvard. Tomorrow, it can be any university, any nonprofit or foundation that stands up for the public good,” Chukwu said.
The White House has not immediately responded to a request for comment on the lawsuit. The outcome of this legal challenge could have significant implications for the transparency of government actions and the use of federal agencies to target specific institutions.
About American Oversight
American Oversight is a nonprofit watchdog group founded in 2017 with the mission of promoting transparency and accountability in government. The organization frequently uses the Freedom of Information Act to obtain and release government records to the public.
Background on Harvard’s Tax-Exempt Status
Harvard University, like nearly all colleges and universities, is a tax-exempt organization. This status has contributed to some elite universities amassing huge endowments; Harvard’s endowment is the largest, exceeding $50 billion. The potential revocation of Harvard’s tax-exempt status could have significant financial implications for the university.
Potential Implications
The lawsuit filed by American Oversight highlights concerns about the use of federal agencies to target specific institutions for political reasons. The outcome of this legal challenge could set a precedent for how government agencies respond to requests for information and the extent to which they can be used to further political agendas.
As the case progresses, it will be closely watched by advocates for government transparency and those concerned about the potential politicization of federal agencies.