Trump keeps options open with Harvard over federal funding

(The Daily Signal) – President Donald Trump said he will “see what happens” in negotiations with Harvard as the university is reportedly willing to settle with the administration for $500 million.

“It’s a lot of money,” he told The Daily Signal, repeating for emphasis: “It’s a lot of money.”

Harvard is considering paying up to $500 million as a way to end its battle with the Trump administration, The New York Times reported.

President Trump reacts to Harvard reportedly being willing to settle with the admin for up to $500 million.

"It's a lot of money," he tells @DailySignal.

"We're negotiating with Harvard now. They would like to settle, so we'll see what happens." pic.twitter.com/MXV0tOjkqg

— Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell (@TheElizMitchell) July 30, 2025

The president said his administration is negotiating with Harvard now. The talks follow a $200 million settlement with Columbia University on July 23.

Harvard and the Trump administration have been in a monthslong legal battle after the president pulled $2 billion in federal funding for Harvard and removed its ability to enroll international students due to Harvard’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

“We’re negotiating with Harvard now,” Trump said. “They would like to settle, so we’ll see what happens.”