Trump wants ‘nothing less’ than $644 million from Harvard
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The Trump administration has been holding talks with Harvard (pictured) on a potential deal to restore federal research funding after the government froze more than US$2.6 billion (S$3.35 billion).
PHOTO: REUTERS
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- President Trump wants "$500 million" from Harvard University, escalating his ongoing attacks.
- The White House criticises Harvard for alleged anti-Semitism, diversity programs, and left-leaning bias.
- Harvard, with a $53 billion endowment, has sued the government twice, citing free speech concerns.
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WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump said he wants “nothing less” than US$500 million (S$644 million) from Harvard University, after months of attacking the oldest and richest US college.
Mr Trump underlined his financial goal in comments to Education Secretary Linda McMahon at a Cabinet meeting on Aug 26, days before classes start at Harvard and many other universities across the US.
The Trump administration has been holding talks with Harvard on a potential deal to restore federal research funding
In a series of attacks that began shortly after Mr Trump took office in January, the White House has faulted Harvard for failing to do enough to combat anti-Semitism on campus, while also accusing it of supporting diversity programmes and harbouring a left-leaning political bias.
In addition to the funding halt, the administration has tried to stop foreign students from enrolling
Harvard, which has an endowment of US$53 billion, has fought back by twice suing the government and warning that Mr Trump’s assault is endangering free speech.
The school did not have an immediate response to Mr Trump’s comment about the cost of a potential settlement. BLOOMBERG
