Donald Trump has lodged a claim for $1 billion in damages against Harvard University, intensifying a protracted dispute with the institution over allegations of antisemitism. In a post on Truth Social on the evening of October 23, 2023, Trump criticized the Ivy League university, labeling it as “strongly antisemitic.” He specifically targeted Harvard’s president, Alan Garber, asserting that he has failed to address the alleged issues effectively.
This latest move follows Trump’s broader campaign against higher education institutions, particularly Harvard, which he accuses of mishandling antisemitism and permitting civil rights violations. He contends that the campus is influenced by “radical left” ideologies, a claim that many academics and advocates for free speech view as a challenge to academic independence.
The announcement of the $1 billion claim follows a report from the New York Times indicating that Trump had previously abandoned a demand for $200 million as part of a potential settlement concerning Harvard’s handling of antisemitic incidents on campus. Sources close to the matter revealed that both Trump’s administration and Harvard officials had signaled a diminishing expectation of a financial settlement.
In his Truth Social post, Trump referenced the New York Times report, accusing Harvard of disseminating “nonsense” to the media. He stated, “Harvard has been, for a long time, behaving very badly,” while emphasizing that his administration is “now seeking $1 billion in damages” and desires “nothing further to do, into the future, with Harvard University.”
The legal battles between the Trump administration and Harvard have been multifaceted. Previously, Trump threatened to withhold $9 billion in federal research funding unless the university eliminated its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. His administration even sought to restrict Harvard from enrolling international students. In response, Harvard filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in April 2022, arguing that the administration was attempting to “gain control of academic decision-making.” Garber has maintained the university’s commitment to its independence, stating, “The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.”
In a statement from April 2022, Garber reiterated the seriousness of addressing rising antisemitism, asserting, “To address it effectively requires understanding, intention, and vigilance.” He affirmed that Harvard takes its obligations under the law seriously and views the fight against hate as both a legal and moral responsibility.
The tensions reached a new peak in September 2022 when a federal judge ruled that Trump had unlawfully canceled $2.2 billion in research grants, which prevented the administration from cutting Harvard’s funding. Following this ruling, Trump announced that a deal had been reached, requiring the university to pay $500 million to resolve its disputes with the federal government. However, the Trump administration later appealed against the judge’s ruling from September.
As this situation unfolds, both Harvard and the White House have been contacted for comments regarding the latest developments. The ongoing confrontation between Trump and Harvard underscores the contentious nature of the political discourse surrounding academic institutions in the United States.
