Trump Targets Drug Prices, Harvard's Tax Break

President Trump took steps to address prescription drug costs this week, issuing an executive order intended to lower prices. Simultaneously, the administration escalated a dispute with Harvard University, with the president threatening to strip the institution of its tax-exempt status. The threat follows Harvard’s refusal to comply with demands reportedly related to federal funding and potentially concerning the university’s handling of endowment funds. While lowering drug prices is a broadly supported goal – and one that has eluded previous administrations – the method of achieving it through executive action remains to be seen. The Harvard situation, however, appears to be a direct challenge to the university’s autonomy and a potential signal of increased federal scrutiny of higher education finances. It’s a notable tactic, leveraging tax status as a point of leverage, and raises questions about the balance between federal oversight and institutional independence. Both actions demonstrate a willingness to employ unconventional strategies to achieve policy objectives, potentially setting precedents for future administrations.