Trump’s Escalating Demands from Harvard University
President Donald Trump has increased his demands from Harvard University, seeking a $1 billion payment to end the prolonged standoff between the administration and the Ivy League campus. This move comes after Trump previously sought $500 million, which was intended to support the creation of trade schools. The president’s latest demand has been met with resistance from Harvard, which has opposed making direct payments to the government.
Background of the Dispute
The conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard University began last year, with the White House accusing the university of tolerating anti-Jewish bias on campus. In response, the administration cut billions of dollars in federal research funding to Harvard and attempted to block the university from enrolling foreign students. Harvard has denied the allegations, stating that the administration’s actions are unfair and motivated by a desire to punish the university for refusing to adopt the administration’s views.
According to a federal judge’s ruling in December, the administration’s claims of anti-Jewish bias on campus were a “smokescreen” for its true intentions. The judge reversed the funding cuts, dealing a significant blow to the administration’s campaign against elite universities. Despite this setback, Trump has continued to pursue his agenda, including inviting nine universities to join a “compact” that offered funding priority in exchange for adopting his administration’s views.
Implications of the Dispute
The escalating demands from Trump have significant implications for Harvard University and the broader higher education landscape. The university has long been a target of the administration’s efforts to bring elite universities to heel, with the White House seeking to impose its will on issues ranging from research funding to diversity and inclusion policies. Other universities have reached agreements with the White House to restore funding, including Columbia University, which agreed to pay $200 million, and Brown University, which agreed to pay $50 million toward state workforce development groups.
As the dispute between the Trump administration and Harvard University continues, it remains to be seen whether a resolution can be reached. The president’s latest demands have been met with resistance from the university, and it is unclear whether a deal can be negotiated. For more information on this developing story, please visit Here
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