President Donald Trump publicly named his price in the ongoing dispute with Harvard University: $500 million. "We're not accepting anything less than $500 million from Harvard. Don't negotiate with them, they've done a terrible job," Trump told Education Secretary Linda McMahon during a cabinet meeting on 26/8.

The president's comments came amid reports that the White House and Harvard were nearing a settlement that could end their months-long standoff. The dispute centers on allegations that Harvard failed to adequately address antisemitism related to pro-Palestine protests.

Harvard has not yet responded to Trump's latest remarks. It remains the only university to sue the White House in federal court, arguing that the administration withheld $2.6 billion in research funding as retaliation for the university's resistance to interventions in its curriculum, organization, and admissions. Harvard maintains that academic freedom is non-negotiable.

The White House contends it has the authority to revoke grants if recipients violate presidential directives, citing an executive order on combating antisemitism. US officials are also increasing pressure by reviewing federally funded research patents granted to Harvard, threatening to transfer ownership of these patents if the university doesn't yield.

US President Donald Trump at the White House on 7/3. Photo: *AFP*

Earlier this month, *AP*, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that Harvard and the White House were close to a settlement, with Harvard potentially paying $500 million to have its federal research funds reinstated.

However, Harvard President Alan Garber subsequently denied the report, affirming the university's commitment to pursuing its lawsuits. Garber informed faculty that some US newspapers had published "inaccurate" reports and alleged the information was leaked from the White House.

In the past two months, several other US universities have opted to settle with the administration to avoid funding cuts. Columbia University agreed to pay $221 million and add independent oversight, while Brown University consented to contribute $50 million to workforce development programs in Rhode Island.

These settlements have drawn criticism from some scholars who view them as compromises on the principle of academic freedom. The Trump administration is also reportedly targeting the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a demand for up to $1 billion, prompting university leaders to warn that this pressure could "devastate" public universities.

Thanh Danh (*CNN, Guardian, Harvard Crimson*)