President Trump announced July 4 that his administration is “very likely” to reach a deal with Harvard University, aiming to resolve the prolonged conflict over federal funding, international student policies, and allegations of civil‑rights violations.
At a Glance
- Trump said the administration is “very likely to announce” a deal with Harvard “over the next week or so.”
- The dispute began after Harvard allegedly violated federal civil‑rights laws and refused to discipline antisemitic protests.
- The administration has frozen approximately $2 billion in research grants and paused international student admissions.
- Harvard sued, temporarily blocking actions to revoke foreign‑student eligibility and tax‑exempt status.
- Negotiations resumed recently at the White House to resolve sanctions and restore funding.
Historic Dispute Enters Negotiation Phase
Trump indicated a pending settlement with Harvard, following months of conflict over alleged Title VI civil‑rights violations tied to campus protests and Harvard’s response. The administration had enacted sweeping sanctions—halting federal grants and contracts across agencies like HHS and DOE—and signaled intent to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status. These measures followed claims that Harvard failed to curb antisemitic demonstrations, prompting scrutiny under federal civil-rights law.
Watch a report: Judge blocks Trump ban on Harvard’s international students
https://www.reuters.com/video/watch/idRW794529052025RP1/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Harvard Fights Back in Court
Harvard filed suit to contest the sanctions, successfully securing a temporary injunction that blocked immediate enforcement. The university argued the administration’s actions represented an overreach, weaponizing Title VI to penalize protected campus expression. Meanwhile, the civil-rights complaint remains under review as new negotiations resumed at the White House. Sources close to the talks confirmed that both parties aim to finalize a resolution in the coming days, with Reuters reporting the timeline could extend into early July.
What Now?
A finalized agreement could see federal funds and visa programs reinstated while requiring Harvard to implement clearer standards for campus conduct and protest response. Observers note that the case may set a broader precedent for how Title VI enforcement intersects with academic governance and federal funding—potentially reshaping university compliance obligations nationwide.
