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3h ago

Trump Says Near-Final $500 Million Harvard Deal Would Fund Trade Schools, Restore Grants

Court rulings that rebuked earlier funding cuts complicate negotiations over restoring Harvard’s research money.

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 30: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks before signing executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House on September 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. According to Trump, the executive order he was signing will accelerate pediatric cancer research, including by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • From the Oval Office, President Trump said Education Secretary Linda McMahon is finalizing paperwork on an agreement for Harvard to pay about $500 million and operate trade‑school programs focused on AI and other technical skills.
  • Trump said the proposed deal would pave the way to reinstate roughly $2.2–$2.7 billion in federal research grants that had been frozen, though Harvard has not confirmed any terms.
  • Harvard leaders have not endorsed the figure, with Corporation chair Penny Pritzker voicing skepticism about agreeing to a $500 million payout.
  • A federal judge in Boston recently ordered the administration to reverse research funding cuts to Harvard, characterizing them as unlawful retaliation, even as other enforcement actions continued.
  • The White House has initiated suspension and debarment proceedings against Harvard and has pursued similar settlements with peers, including Columbia at about $200–$220 million and Brown at $50 million.