Trump doubles his demand to a $1 billion cash payment On February 3, 2026, former President Donald Trump announced he now seeks a $1 billion settlement from Harvard University, twice the amount he previously requested [1]. He posted the demand on Truth Social, accusing the university of “behaving very badly” and insisting any agreement require Harvard to pay the federal government directly [1]. Harvard has not commented on the new demand, maintaining its refusal to meet the payment condition [1].

Harvard rejects the trade‑school alternative and payment terms Trump’s earlier June proposal called for Harvard to allocate $500 million toward a network of trade schools instead of a cash payout, but the plan collapsed after the university deemed it “inadequate” [1]. He labeled the prior proposal “convoluted” and dismissed reports that he was backing down [1]. Harvard continues to reject the requirement that funds be sent directly to the government, keeping the dispute unresolved [1].

Federal judge overturns prior funding cuts, calling antisemitism claim a smokescreen A December ruling nullified billions of dollars in federal research funding cuts imposed on Harvard, with the judge describing the administration’s antisemitism justification as a “smokescreen” [1]. This legal reversal adds pressure on the administration’s broader education agenda [1]. The decision underscores the contentious environment surrounding federal‑university financial negotiations [1].

White House’s university “compact” sees no participation, other schools make payments The administration’s invitation to nine universities to join a funding‑priority “compact” was rejected by all institutions [1]. Meanwhile, Columbia and Brown have agreed to contribute $200 million and $50 million, respectively, toward government initiatives [1]. The lack of Harvard’s participation highlights the growing divide between the White House and elite academic institutions [1].