Trump Demands $1 Billion From Harvard After Negotiations Falter
Trump says he seeks $1 billion from Harvard after denying a report that he had dropped demands for payment.
Overview
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Jan. 29, 2025, saying his administration is seeking $1 billion in damages from Harvard University and calling the dispute a potential criminal matter, according to his social media post.
The escalation follows a months-long standoff after U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs on Sept. 12, 2024, ordered restoration of nearly $2.7 billion in federal research funding that the administration had frozen, records show.
Madi Biedermann, acting chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Education, said negotiators are still engaged in talks with Harvard, while Harvard officials declined to comment on the $1 billion demand, university spokespeople said.
The administration had previously sought payments and commitments from other colleges, extracting $200 million from Columbia University and pressing UCLA for more than $1 billion, examples officials cited during negotiations.
The Justice Department has appealed Burroughs' ruling and continues civil inquiries into Harvard, and legal experts say the dispute may return to court if the parties fail to reach a settlement.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story to depict the administration as vindictive and arbitrary, using loaded terms ("attack on universities," "fought back," "hostile response") and emphasizing Harvard's courtroom victory while underreporting the government's stated rationale. Quote placement highlights Trump's denials and demands, reinforcing a narrative of spite rather than policy nuance.
Sources (14)
FAQ
The administration froze nearly $2.2 billion in funding in April 2025 to pressure Harvard into changing its governance, hiring practices, academic programs, and implementing merit-based policies, which Harvard argued violated First Amendment rights.[1]
On September 3, 2024 (noted as 2025 in some records), U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs ruled in Harvard's favor, ordering restoration of $2.7 billion in funding, deeming the freeze unconstitutional; the administration appealed.
The administration secured $200-221 million from Columbia University, pressured UCLA for over $1 billion, and obtained settlements from UPenn, Brown, and others totaling over $1 billion across elite institutions.
As of late 2025, negotiations continue with the administration demanding $1 billion in damages after faltered talks; Harvard offered up to $500 million but officials declined comment, and the Justice Department appealed the court ruling.
History
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