Trump seeks billion from Harvard amid escalating standoff.

In a significant escalation of his ongoing dispute with Harvard University, President Donald Trump has increased his financial demand to billion in exchange for resolving a prolonged standoff. This figure marks a notable doubling from previous requests, intensifying the conflict between the Trump administration and the prestigious Ivy League institution as negotiations seem to move further apart.

The president communicated this urgency on social media, asserting that Harvard’s behavior has been unbecoming and insisting that any potential settlement must involve a direct payment to the government—an idea Harvard has firmly rejected. Trump’s comments highlight a determination to sever ties with the university, stating that his administration aims to have “nothing further to do” with Harvard.

These developments come on the heels of a New York Times report suggesting that Trump had lowered his demands and abandoned calls for financial recompense. However, Trump quickly refuted claims of any retreat from his position, solidifying the perception that both parties are now deeply entrenched in their respective stances.

Previously, Trump had indicated that an agreement was imminent, suggesting that Harvard’s actions during negotiations were appropriate. His administration had suggested a deal requiring Harvard to allocate 0 million towards the establishment of vocational schools, instead of a direct payment to the government. However, this proposal has since been dismissed by Trump as “convoluted” and “wholly inadequate,” leaving the negotiations in a precarious state.

Harvard has been a primary target of Trump’s administration throughout its tenure, which has included significant cuts to federal research funding and efforts to restrict the enrollment of foreign students—moves that were initiated after Harvard resisted several demands from the government last April. The White House has claimed that Harvard is being disciplined for reportedly condoning anti-Jewish sentiments on campus.

In response, Harvard has vehemently argued that it is being unjustly punished for its refusal to align with the administration’s views. A federal judge sided with Harvard in December, overturning funding cuts and labeling the accusations of antisemitism as a “smokescreen.”

Trump’s recent rhetoric coincides with broader challenges facing his administration’s higher education agenda. Last fall, an initiative inviting nine universities to adopt the Trump administration’s strategy in exchange for funding priority received no takers. Additionally, an attempt to legally enforce cuts to federal funding based on diversity and inclusion policies was abandoned earlier this year.

Throughout his second term, targeting elite universities accused of fostering liberal ideologies and anti-Jewish bias has been a priority for Trump and his administration. While some institutions have struck deals to restore funding through significant payments, conflicts with universities like Harvard continue to persist, complicating the administration’s efforts to reshape the higher education landscape in line with its objectives.

As the situation evolves, the potential for a resolution appears increasingly uncertain, with both sides firmly entrenched in their respective positions.