Harvard University and Trump Administration Clash Over $200 Million Antisemitism Settlement Demand

Harvard University and the Trump administration are in a tense standoff over the terms of a potential settlement, following a private letter from Education Secretary Linda McMahon that appeared to contradict Harvard’s stated position.

Sent on Saturday to Harvard President Alan M. Garber, McMahon’s letter described what she portrayed as an emerging agreement between the university and the White House.

However, Harvard officials have emphasized that President Garber has repeatedly clarified in recent negotiations that the institution would not pay federal funds to resolve a months-long dispute involving antisemitism on campus and other governance issues.

McMahon’s communication suggested the opposite, expressing gratitude for what she characterized as a commitment to transfer $200 million to the government as part of an agreement.

The conflict centers on how Harvard should address federal complaints related to antisemitism and broader leadership concerns, particularly after the university rebuffed President Trump’s demands regarding campus policies.

Trump entered office promising to cut funding for institutions that resisted his agenda, including the phrase “wokeness.” His administration has accused Harvard of tolerating antisemitism, especially during last year’s protests over the Israel-Hamas war.

In a federal letter, officials described the campus as being “overrun by an impermissible, multiweek encampment” that left Jewish and Israeli students fearful and disrupted their studies.

Harvard President Garber has acknowledged challenges with antisemitism and anti-Muslim bias but stated the university has taken significant steps to combat prejudice.

The administration has previously resolved similar disputes with Columbia and Brown universities by agreeing to settle civil rights investigations in exchange for reinstating federal research funding.