Trump announces plan to sue Harvard for $1bn damages

"We are now seeking One Billion Dollars in damages, and want nothing further to do, into the future, with Harvard University, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Harvard has been the most prominent target of Trump's ire, as he has sought to wield authority over higher education. He and his administration have railed against what they have termed woke, socialist and anti-American ideologies among students and professors, taking aim at pro-Palestine protests and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, among other topics."

"The president's latest outburst, which unfolded over several long posts, appeared to respond to an article published on Monday by The New York Times that reported that the Trump administration has dropped a demand for a $200m payment from the university. In September, a federal judge ruled that the administration violated the law when it cancelled research grants worth more than $2.2bn to Harvard. The White House is now appealing the ruling and had sought the payment as part of a broader deal with the university."

"Quoting four anonymous sources, The New York Times reported that Trump appeared to have conceded the $200m as negotiations with the university continue. Although Trump did not directly address the figure in his latest posts, he wrote that the Failing New York Times story was completely wrong concerning Harvard University and that Harvard had been feeding a lot of nonsense' to the publication."

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social a demand for $1 billion in damages and a desire to have no future relationship with Harvard University. The announcement did not specify the precise legal basis and continued a prolonged dispute between the administration and the university. In September, a federal judge found the administration unlawfully cancelled research grants exceeding $2.2bn to Harvard; the White House is appealing that decision. The administration had sought a $200m payment in negotiations but reportedly dropped that demand. The administration has repeatedly targeted Harvard over campus protests, DEI initiatives and perceived "woke" ideologies.

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