Why Trump wants Harvard to face a steeper penalty than Columbia in the federal funding standoff
The US President Donald Trump is pressing Harvard University to agree to a larger financial settlement than the $221 million deal struck with Columbia University, according to sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations, as reported by The Harvard Crimson.
The talks concern the restoration of over $2 billion in frozen federal research funds.
The White House is reportedly using Columbia's agreement as a "template" and is seeking harsher terms from Harvard to signal a broader policy shift in federal oversight of elite universities. Trump is personally involved in the discussions and has instructed his team to ensure that Harvard's penalty exceeds Columbia's, as reported by The Harvard Crimson.
Columbia's deal sets a precedent
Columbia University reached a settlement with the Trump administration earlier this week, agreeing to pay $221 million in exchange for the restoration of more than $400 million in previously frozen federal research funding. The settlement included $21 million to resolve a Title VII case and came with additional conditions.
As reported by The Harvard Crimson, these conditions included the acceptance of a federally endorsed definition of antisemitism, a rollback of certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives identified as unlawful by the administration, a review of its Middle East studies curriculum, and new screening procedures for international students.
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US Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the Columbia agreement as a "seismic shift" and referred to it as a "roadmap" for future university settlements, including the ongoing negotiations with Harvard, in an interview with CNN as cited by The Harvard Crimson.
Funding freeze and legal disputes continue
Harvard has had more than $2.7 billion in federal research funding frozen following a series of administrative and legal challenges initiated by the Trump administration.
Since April, Harvard has faced investigations into foreign donations, its tax-exempt status, and student visa records. Multiple federal subpoenas have also been issued, according to The Harvard Crimson.
The administration issued a formal finding in late June that Harvard was in violation of Title VI, citing delays in its response to campus antisemitism. Harvard is currently involved in a lawsuit regarding the suspension of federal grants and contracts.
At a recent hearing, US District Judge Allison D. Burroughs expressed scepticism over the government's rationale but has not yet ruled on the case.
Negotiations remain ongoing and confidential
As per The Harvard Crimson, while President Trump stated publicly that Harvard "wants to settle," the university has not confirmed the existence of any official talks. Internally, it has acknowledged discussions with donors and has challenged the administration's demands as unconstitutional in legal filings.
T
he two parties have exchanged several offers in recent weeks, and the administration continues to increase pressure. The Department of Homeland Security has issued subpoenas related to international student conduct, while the Department of State is examining Harvard's capacity to host J-1 visa holders. Meanwhile, the Department of Education has urged Harvard's accreditor to consider revoking its status.
Preceding settlements and anticipated demands
Prior to the Columbia agreement, the University of Pennsylvania also restored its federal funding without paying a financial penalty. Instead, it agreed to prohibit transgender women from competing in women's sports and to strip records and titles from former student Lia Thomas. Unlike Columbia and Harvard, the Pennsylvania case did not involve Title VI or Title VII violations, as noted by The Harvard Crimson.
Although Harvard has yet to finalise an agreement, it has already adopted certain measures resembling concessions, including the adoption of the same antisemitism definition accepted by Columbia, the closure of DEI-related student offices, and administrative changes in its Middle East studies department.
The White House has set a deadline of September 3 for the liquidation of financial obligations tied to the first wave of cancelled grants. Whether a settlement with Harvard will be reached before that date remains uncertain.
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