Trump says he may soon strike deal with Harvard that is ‘mindbogglingly’ historic
A federal judge, meanwhile, has blocked the US president’s effort to stop Harvard from enrolling foreign students
US President Donald Trump said his administration has been working closely with Harvard University and may announce a deal over the next week, potentially ending a stand-off between the White House and the richest and oldest US university.
“They have acted extremely appropriately during these negotiations, and appear to be committed to doing what is right,” Trump said Friday on social media.
“If a Settlement is made on the basis that is currently being discussed, it will be ‘mindbogglingly’ HISTORIC, and very good for our Country. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Harvard has been front and centre in the White House’s campaign to reshape elite higher education, with the administration accusing the school of fostering antisemitism and for having political biases. The government has suspended more than US$2.6 billion in federal research money and said Harvard would not be able to receive new funding.
Trump has also repeatedly called for Harvard to lose its tax-exempt status, which would have significant financial implications, even with the school’s US$53 billion endowment.
In addition, he has sought to block the university from enrolling foreign students, sparking a court battle.
04:21
Citing China ‘activity’, Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling foreign students