20-06-2025

Trump, Harvard near deal amid legal standoff

Date: 20-06-2025
Sources: edition.cnn.com: 1 | npr.org: 1 | nytimes.com: 1
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Source: edition.cnn.com

Image content: The image shows a scenic view of a historic-looking campus with red-brick buildings and a white clock tower topped by a red dome. In the foreground, a stone arch bridge crosses a river, and lush green trees frame the scene under a cloudy sky.

Summary

The Trump administration and Harvard University have reopened negotiations to settle a broad dispute over federal funding, international student access, and campus policies, following a court injunction blocking the government’s attempt to bar Harvard’s international students. President Trump praised Harvard’s recent steps and signaled a potential agreement within a week, though sources caution the timeline may slip. A prospective framework would restore significant federal research funding and pause legal actions in exchange for Harvard committing to stronger measures on antisemitism, viewpoint diversity, race-related policies, and possible changes to admissions and hiring—while Harvard insists it will not compromise its core values or First Amendment rights. The outcome could shape federal agreements with other elite universities facing similar scrutiny.

Key Points

  • Judge issues preliminary injunction blocking ban on Harvard’s international students
  • Talks resume to restore funding and halt legal actions in exchange for policy changes
  • Trump praises Harvard’s cooperation, hints at imminent deal though timing uncertain
  • Framework targets antisemitism response, viewpoint diversity, and admissions/hiring practices
  • Potential agreement may set precedent for negotiations with other elite universities

Articles in this Cluster

Trump says Harvard has acted ‘appropriately’ and deal could soon be announced | CNN PoliticsClose icon

President Trump said Harvard has acted “extremely appropriately” in negotiations that could lead to a settlement within a week, potentially resolving multiple legal disputes between the university and the administration. A source familiar with the talks said an agreement is more likely than not after good-faith discussions, though nothing is final. The development surprised many in higher education circles. The White House, Education Department, and Harvard did not comment. A judge recently blocked the administration from revoking Harvard’s ability to host international students while challenges proceed; Harvard is also suing over a federal funding freeze. The administration has investigated Harvard, citing campus antisemitism, with Education Secretary Linda McMahon noting recent progress by the university.
Entities: Donald Trump, Harvard University, White House, US Department of Education, Linda McMahonTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Trump says he’s close to ‘a Deal’ with Harvard amid injunction news : NPR

A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction blocking President Trump’s efforts to bar international students from attending Harvard, extending an earlier temporary halt. On the same day, Trump posted on Truth Social that his administration is close to a “historic” deal with Harvard regarding international students, praising the university’s cooperation and suggesting an announcement next week. The administration has recently taken multiple actions affecting Harvard’s international students, including visa disqualifications and a proclamation alleging the university failed to address illegal activity by students.
Entities: Donald Trump, Harvard University, NPR, Truth Social, federal judgeTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Harvard and White House Revive Talks to Settle Dispute - The New York Times

Harvard and the Trump White House have resumed negotiations to resolve a months-long clash over federal funding and government demands on university policies. After a White House meeting where Harvard presented steps on antisemitism, viewpoint diversity, and admissions, the administration sent conditions that could form a deal. A potential framework would restore much of the federal research funding cut this spring and halt legal actions—including efforts to bar international students—in exchange for Harvard taking stronger actions on antisemitism, race, and viewpoint diversity, and considering changes to admissions and hiring. While Trump suggested a deal could come within a week, sources say that’s unlikely. Harvard, praised by many for resisting, is re-engaging amid fears of sustained cuts, investigations, and visa limits. The talks could set a template for agreements with other elite universities. Harvard says it won’t compromise its values or First Amendment rights. Negotiations were previously cut off after an April letter with sweeping demands that Harvard said threatened its independence. A federal judge recently blocked the government’s move to bar international students from Harvard.
Entities: Harvard University, Trump White House, federal research funding, antisemitism policies, viewpoint diversityTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform