Harvard poised to pay $500 million to settle Trump's antisemitism probe

Harvard is poised to pay up to $500 million to resolve Trump’s antisemitism probe, far exceeding Columbia’s $200 million fine. Trump privately insists Harvard pay more, suggesting a personal crusade against the university. “The proposition is simple: Don’t allow antisemitism and D.E.I. to run your campus,” said White House spokesman Fields.

Yet, Harvard resists an external monitor, wary of government control over academic freedom. The administration’s funding freeze, slashing billions, smells of coercion to bend Harvard to Trump’s will. Negotiations, shrouded in secrecy, hint at a deal to dodge further White House wrath.

Columbia’s settlement, a “template” per Trump officials, spared academic autonomy, stating no part “shall be construed as giving the United States authority to dictate faculty hiring.” Harvard, however, faces unique pressure as America’s academic titan. President Garber warned in April, “No government… should dictate what private universities can teach.” Harvard’s reluctance to pay directly to the government fuels suspicion of a broader agenda to reshape academia under Trump’s influence, with elite universities as prime targets.