Trump Administration Pressures Harvard for Hefty Settlement Amid Antisemitism Investigations
By Collin Binkley, AP Education Writer
Washington, D.C. — The Trump administration is reportedly seeking a significantly higher financial settlement from Harvard University than the $200 million agreed upon by Columbia University, amid ongoing federal investigations into antisemitism on college campuses. Sources indicate Harvard could face penalties in the hundreds of millions as part of negotiations with the White House. Discussions are occurring alongside Harvard’s legal battle to restore billions in federal research funding cut by the administration.
The news follows Columbia’s recent agreement to pay $200 million to resolve similar investigations and regain access to over $400 million in research grants, stemming from accusations of failing to protect Jewish students during protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Unlike Columbia, Harvard has challenged the funding cuts in court.
With the Education Department launching investigations at numerous universities, the administration aims to shift the landscape, using financial penalties as a new norm in resolving civil rights investigations—traditionally concluding with voluntary agreements. Education Secretary Linda McMahon labeled the Columbia settlement a potential blueprint for future agreements across higher education.
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