Harvard Nears Settlement with Trump: $500 Million to Unfreeze Billions in Funding and Lift International Student Ban

The New York Times reports that Harvard University and the Trump administration are close to reaching an out-of-court settlement, with Harvard agreeing to invest $500 million in specific programs in exchange for the federal government restoring billions in research funding. According to preliminary terms, the Trump administration would lift its ban on Harvard admitting international students.

Citing four sources familiar with the matter, the report indicates representatives from Harvard and the Trump administration have made significant progress during closed-door negotiations over the past week. Both sides have drafted a settlement framework that could end four months of legal disputes.

However, the final terms still require approval from President Trump himself and Harvard leadership, meaning the deal could still fall through. Both parties continue to negotiate key wording in the draft agreement.

Sources reveal the current framework requires Harvard to commit $500 million in installments toward career and education-related programs and research - more than double what Columbia University agreed to last month. Like Columbia's deal, Harvard's payment won't go directly to the government, a condition met in the current terms.

Harvard has also pledged to continue combating antisemitism on campus, according to insiders.

As one of the top recipients of federal funding among U.S. universities, Harvard stands to regain access to billions in frozen research grants upon settling.

At Harvard's insistence on academic independence, the Trump administration agreed not to station government observers on campus. Additionally, the Justice and Commerce Departments will terminate recent investigations into the university.

The preliminary agreement also stipulates the administration will no longer prohibit Harvard from admitting international students.