Trump strikes $500 million deal with Harvard to create trade schools

In recent discussions, President Donald Trump previewed a potential $500 million agreement with Harvard University regarding trade schools. The negotiations address the Trump administration's ongoing disputes with the university, following a series of sanctions related to alleged antisemitism on campus amid pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Trump indicated that the university would contribute $500 million, which would be allocated toward establishing a series of trade schools run by Harvard, focusing on various vocational training, including artificial intelligence and engineering skills. This announcement came against the backdrop of Harvard's legal battles to restore millions in federal funding that the administration had cut off due to its stance on campus antisemitism. Previous negotiations resulted in settlements with other institutions like Columbia and Brown University, which sought to resolve similar conflicts with the administration regarding federal funding. These discussions have been ongoing for months, culminating in Trump's current assertion that they are close to finalizing the deal, with education officials confirming the advancements but withholding specific details about the agreement. Harvard's ongoing legal challenges highlight a fraught relationship with the Trump administration, especially as federal officials accuse the university of failing to address antisemitism effectively, while Harvard argues that such measures constitute government overreach into academic freedom. As negotiations continue and the legal landscape shifts, the outcome of this proposed settlement could significantly impact both Harvard and the broader academic community's interaction with federal policies.