Weekly civic intelligence report · v2.2
The Trump administration is considering revoking Harvard University's tax-exempt status, though legal experts note this would be difficult and time-consuming. This represents a potential enforcement action against higher education institutions.
This scores as List B (Distraction). A-score is low (4.16) because this is merely a proposal with acknowledged legal barriers - experts note it would be 'difficult and time-consuming.' The mechanism_modifier (0.6) reflects policy_change that hasn't occurred, and scope_modifier (0.7) reflects single institution impact. Rule_of_law (3) captures potential selective enforcement concerns, separation (2) reflects executive pressure on institutions, capture (2) reflects potential politicization of tax enforcement. B-score is high (30.25) due to strong Layer 1 hype: targeting Harvard generates massive outrage_bait (7) and media_friendliness (8) in culture war context. Layer 2 shows high mismatch (8) between proposal rhetoric and actual enforcement capability, strong pattern_match (8) with broader anti-elite-institution narrative. Intentionality (11) is elevated given strategic targeting of high-profile institution with low probability of actual implementation. D-score of -26.09 clearly indicates distraction dynamics.
Monitor for actual IRS enforcement actions versus continued rhetorical proposals. Track whether this expands beyond single institution or remains symbolic threat. Distinguish between legitimate tax-exemption policy debates and politically-motivated selective enforcement threats.