Trump Demands $1 Billion From Harvard Over Alleged Antisemitism

WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump is demanding $1 billion in damages from Harvard University, escalating a dispute over the university’s handling of antisemitism and other issues. The announcement, made on Monday, February 3, 2026, came after reports that the Trump administration had previously considered, and then abandoned, a $200 million settlement with the university.

Trump made the announcement via his social media network, Truth Social, stating, “We are now demanding $1 billion in damages, and will have nothing to do with Harvard University going forward.”

The conflict stems from accusations that Harvard, along with other universities, has not adequately addressed antisemitism on campus and promotes a “woke” ideology. The Trump administration initiated legal complaints and sought substantial financial settlements from these institutions.

According to the New York Times, Trump had initially been prepared to accept $200 million from Harvard, but ultimately rejected the offer due to resistance from the university. He later indicated that negotiations had been close to an agreement for $500 million, with a portion of the funds intended for the establishment of vocational schools, a concept he ultimately dismissed as “totally inadequate.”

“They wanted to put together a complicated vocational training concept, but this was rejected because it was totally inadequate and, in our opinion, could not have worked,” Trump wrote on Monday night. “It was simply a way for Harvard to avoid a large settlement of over $500 million, a number that should be much higher given the serious and egregious illegalities they have committed.”

This is not the first instance of the Trump administration taking financial action against universities. In the past, the administration froze billions in funding to Harvard after rejecting demands made by the university. Specifically, a freeze of $2 billion was implemented, as reported by ABC News and NBC News. The U.S. Has cut another $60 million in grants to Harvard University, according to Al Jazeera.

Other universities have also faced pressure. Columbia University agreed to pay $200 million to the Trump administration last summer and committed to rules prohibiting the consideration of ethnicity in admissions and hiring. The University of Pennsylvania also yielded to pressure, announcing a ban on transgender women’s participation in women’s sports.

The actions against these universities are part of a broader pattern since Trump’s return to office, targeting institutions within the Ivy League and accusing them of failing to protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian demonstrations and fostering a progressive, critical environment. Harvard, however, has resisted these demands, leading to ongoing legal battles and financial repercussions.

In September, Harvard secured a judicial victory against Trump, according to reports. The ongoing dispute highlights a growing tension between the former president and some of the nation’s most prestigious academic institutions.