Trump Seeks $500 Million from Harvard to Unfreeze Federal Funds

Washington D.C. – President Donald Trump publicly demanded "nothing less than $500 Million" from Harvard University to restore its federal funding, addressing Education Secretary Linda E. McMahon during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. The President stated, "We want nothing less than $500 million from Harvard. Don’t negotiate, Linda. They’ve been very bad. Don’t negotiate." This marks the first time the White House has publicly specified the exact financial figure in the ongoing dispute.

The demand comes as Harvard faces a freeze of approximately $2.6 billion in federal research grants, part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to pressure elite universities over their handling of pro-Palestinian protests and alleged antisemitism on campus. Harvard initiated a lawsuit against the administration in April, arguing that the funding cuts were unlawful and retaliatory, also challenging efforts to block international student enrollment.

Reports indicate that Harvard has shown willingness to spend up to $500 million to resolve the dispute, though the university is reportedly reluctant to make a direct payment to the federal government. Instead, discussions have centered on directing funds towards vocational and educational initiatives. Harvard President Alan Garber has previously disputed reports of a half-billion-dollar payment, emphasizing the university's commitment to academic freedom.

The administration has already reached settlements with other Ivy League institutions. Columbia University agreed to pay the U.S. Treasury $200 million over three years, alongside $21 million to resolve Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigations. Brown University, conversely, committed $50 million in grants over a decade to Rhode Island workforce development groups, avoiding direct payments to the federal government.

A federal judge, Allison D. Burroughs, is overseeing Harvard's lawsuit, with the university seeking an expedited ruling before September 3, a critical date for federally funded projects. The administration has also expanded its pressure tactics, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicating a review of Harvard's patents related to federally funded research. This ongoing legal and financial battle underscores a significant clash over academic independence and federal oversight in higher education.