Trump Announces Plan to Sue Harvard for $1bn
U.S. President Donald Trump said his administration will seek $1 billion in damages from Harvard University, escalating an ongoing dispute between the federal government and the university over campus policies, funding and alleged handling of protests.
Billion-Dollar Demand and Row With University
Trump announced on social media that the $1 billion claim is part of efforts to hold Harvard accountable, saying his administration wants “nothing further to do” with the institution unless the matter is resolved. The exact legal basis for the demand has not been fully detailed, but the announcement represents a significant increase from earlier discussions about potential settlements. Critics say the dispute stems from broader tensions over federal funding, campus speech policies, and the government’s scrutiny of university responses to protests and allegations of antisemitism.
Harvard’s Position and Wider Context
Harvard has previously been in legal conflict with the U.S. government over the suspension of federal research funding and policy demands. The university has challenged actions it views as unconstitutional overreach, asserting academic freedom and rights protections. Trump’s latest move deepens the long-running confrontation with one of America’s most prominent academic institutions.
