Trump Demands $1 Billion Settlement From Harvard
Escalation in White House–Harvard Dispute
U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Harvard University to pay $1 billion in damages, escalating a long-running conflict between the White House and the Ivy League institution.
In a late-night Truth Social post on Monday, Trump dismissed reports suggesting that his administration had dropped its demand for a financial settlement. Instead, he made clear that the White House is now seeking a far larger payment and plans to sever future ties with the university.
“We are now seeking One Billion Dollars in damages, and want nothing further to do, into the future, with Harvard University,” Trump wrote.
Pushback Against Media Reports
Trump’s statement came just hours after The New York Times reported that the administration was no longer requiring a cash settlement from Harvard. The report cited four unnamed sources familiar with the negotiations.
Trump’s post directly contradicted that claim, signaling that talks remain tense and unresolved.
A Harvard spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Failed Negotiations Over Workforce Program
University officials have consistently rejected any agreement that includes a direct payment to the federal government. Instead, Harvard proposed a workforce development initiative worth up to $500 million, focusing on technical education and job training.
However, Trump rejected the proposal, describing it as overly complex and ineffective.
He said the plan was “wholly inadequate” and would not have succeeded. According to Trump, the proposal served only as a way for Harvard to avoid paying a large financial settlement.
Allegations of Criminal Conduct
Trump accused Harvard of committing serious wrongdoing, though he did not provide specific details.
He claimed the university had engaged in “criminal, not civil” violations and argued that a settlement exceeding $500 million would still fall short of addressing the alleged misconduct.
Federal Action Against Harvard
The dispute forms part of Trump’s broader campaign against what he describes as antisemitism in higher education.
Earlier this year, the administration froze approximately $2.7 billion in federal research funding to Harvard. It also attempted to revoke the university’s authority to enroll international students, further intensifying pressure on the institution.
As of now, neither side has indicated a willingness to compromise, leaving the standoff unresolved.
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