The judge tasked with weighing in on the government’s reach into higher education in Harvard University’s recent lawsuit against the Trump administration is an experienced prosecutor and jurist with a history of taking on tough cases – including those involving both the Ivy League and the president.

President Trump on Friday said he would be “taking away” the university’s status, renewing a threat he made last month. It was not immediately clear if the I.R.S. was moving forward with a change.