Trump sent the bill, asking Harvard for 1 billion dollars.

04.02.2026 00:33

U.S. President Donald Trump escalated his battle against the academic world, which he described as 'elitist.' He labeled Harvard University's stance on pro-Palestinian protests as 'illegal and biased,' and issued a $1 billion bill to the university. Trump stated, "We are currently seeking $1 billion in damages and do not wish to have any relationship with Harvard in the future."

The ties between U.S. President Donald Trump and the country's most prestigious educational institution, Harvard University, have completely severed. In a statement, Trump announced that he is demanding a compensation of 1 billion dollars from Harvard and wants to cut all ties between the university and the federal government.

"ACCUSATION OF IGNORING ANTI-SEMITISM"

At the center of Trump's massive compensation demand are the pro-Palestinian protests on campuses. Trump accuses the Harvard administration of;

Deliberately allowing anti-Semitic rhetoric to rise during the protests on campus,

Endangering the safety of Jewish students,

And exhibiting an "illegal and discriminatory" attitude by protecting these actions under the guise of "freedom of expression."

1 BILLION DOLLARS: MORE THAN JUST COMPENSATION

In his statement, Trump said, "We are currently demanding 1 billion dollars in damages and do not want to establish any relationship with Harvard in the future." He argued that this amount is a price for the university's "serious and illegal actions," and stated that he rejected the previously offered settlement amounts of 500 million dollars as insufficient.

LEGAL WAR HEATS UP

This move is actually seen as retaliation for a decision made by a federal judge in September 2025. The judge in question had annulled the Trump administration's decision to freeze Harvard's federal research funds, deeming it "contrary to freedom of expression and illegal." Trump's 1 billion dollar demand is an indication that he is escalating after this court defeat and aims to economically corner the university.

ACADEMIC FREEDOM OR POLITICAL PRESSURE?

Critics describe Trump's demand as a severe pressure on the autonomy of universities and an "ideological punishment." The Harvard administration has not yet provided an official response to this massive compensation demand. However, the outcome of this case could set a decisive precedent for other Ivy League universities in the U.S.