Trump Demands $1 Billion Settlement from Harvard
In a recent post on Truth Social, former U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded that Harvard University pay $1 billion in damages. This announcement indicates a rising tension between Trump and the prestigious institution, suggesting that the protracted disputes are far from resolved.
Trump’s Billion-Dollar Settlement Demand
Trump’s demands come just hours after reports surfaced from The New York Times, indicating that the White House might no longer insist on a cash payment as part of the settlement negotiations with Harvard. Nonetheless, Trump’s emphatic statement suggests a strong shift in strategy, as he stated, “We are now seeking One Billion Dollars in damages, and want nothing further to do, into the future, with Harvard University.”
Harvard’s Response to the Settlement Claims
A spokesperson for Harvard has not yet commented on Trump’s bold accusations. University officials have consistently opposed any settlement that involves a cash payment, opting instead for negotiations related to a workforce development agreement worth up to $500 million. Trump criticized this proposal, labeling it a “convoluted job training concept” that he believes would be ineffective.
Allegations Against Harvard
While Trump did not detail specific illegal activities in his post, he asserted that Harvard had engaged in “criminal, not civil” offenses. His administration’s ongoing campaign against alleged antisemitism in higher education has resulted in heightened scrutiny of Harvard. This scrutiny led to Trump freezing approximately $2.7 billion in federal research funding to the University.
Litigation and Continuing Negotiations
In response to federal actions, Harvard has launched lawsuits against the government, achieving temporary relief in its legal battles. As negotiations continue, there have been intermittent discussions aimed at reaching a settlement between Trump’s administration and Harvard.
- May: Trump froze $2.7 billion in federal research funds.
- Harvard has since sued the federal government and won initial legal victories.
- Officials from both sides have struggled to find common ground on a settlement.
In past social media posts, Trump expressed optimism about reaching a resolution, even claiming deals were imminent. However, trust between his administration and the University seems to have deteriorated.
Criticism of Harvard’s Leadership
Additionally, Trump pointedly criticized Harvard’s President, Alan M. Garber, for perceived failures to address ongoing issues, stating that Garber was appointed after allegations of antisemitism arose. This indicates Trump’s broader grievances against Harvard’s leadership.
In a follow-up post, Trump took the opportunity to challenge the accuracy of The New York Times’ reporting on his claims, hinting at his ongoing legal dispute with the publication.
Overall, Trump’s demand for a $1 billion settlement from Harvard not only reflects his administration’s contentious relationship with the University but signals potential long-term implications for higher education funding and its oversight.
