Trump: Harvard to pay $500 million in agreement with administration

Trump: Harvard to pay $500 million in agreement with administration

In a significant development, US President Donald Trump announced that his administration has reached a deal with Harvard University, involving a $500 million settlement. The agreement, which was previewed during an event in the Oval Office, is part of a broader negotiation aimed at resolving ongoing disputes between the Trump administration and the prestigious university .

The deal, which is still in the final stages of completion, involves Harvard agreeing to pay $500 million and operate trade schools that will focus on teaching skills in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and engineering . The agreement is seen as a compromise to address several issues, including federal funding and academic policies, that have been points of contention between the administration and Harvard.

This settlement comes amidst a series of legal battles and administrative actions taken by the Trump administration against various universities and colleges. Harvard, in particular, has been at the forefront of these disputes, with the administration citing concerns over pro-Palestinian protests, climate initiatives, and diversity, equity, and inclusion practices .

The deal is expected to restore federal funding to Harvard and potentially end ongoing lawsuits. It follows a federal judge's ruling earlier this month that restored more than $2 billion in federal funding for Harvard's research, which was previously frozen by the White House .

While the specific terms of the agreement are yet to be finalized, the settlement is notable for its size and the impact it could have on Harvard's operations and funding. Other universities, such as Columbia and Brown, have also reached settlements with the Trump administration, though the amounts and conditions vary .

As negotiations continue, the financial implications for Harvard and the broader educational sector remain to be seen. The deal highlights the Trump administration's approach to using federal funding as a leverage tool in its disputes with institutions of higher learning.