Trump seeks $1B damages from Harvard over federal funding dispute
03 Feb 2026

The United States President Donald Trump has announced his administration's decision to seek $1 billion in damages from Harvard University.

The announcement was made on his Truth Social platform, where he did not specify the exact reasons for the alleged harm caused by the university.

"We are now seeking One Billion Dollars in damages, and want nothing further to do, into the future, with Harvard University," he wrote.

Trump accuses Harvard of misconduct
Allegations detailed

In his post, Trump accused Harvard of misconduct and trying to avoid a large financial settlement.

He alleged that the university offered an alternative proposal instead of a cash payout, which he deemed inadequate.

"They wanted to do a convoluted job training concept...but it was turned down in that it was wholly inadequate and would not have been, in our opinion, successful," he wrote.

Trump questions Garber's appointment
Leadership criticism

Trump also slammed Harvard President Dr. Alan Garber for his handling of the situation.

He questioned Garber's appointment after antisemitism charges were brought against the university.

"He was hired AFTER the antisemitism charges were brought—I wonder why???" Trump added.

The president proposed that this case should be treated as a criminal matter due to what he called "the serious and heinous illegalities that they have committed."

Harvard reportedly secured concessions in settlement negotiations
Settlement talks

The announcement comes after reports that Harvard had secured some concessions in settlement negotiations with the federal government.

Trump dismissed these claims, saying they were "nonsense."

His administration has been at the forefront of a campaign to use federal funding as leverage for changes at US universities, accusing them of promoting "woke ideology."