Washington, 1 October (H.S.): US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that his administration is close to sealing a $500 million settlement with Harvard University. Under the proposed deal, the Ivy League institution would operate new trade schools focused on advanced skills such as artificial intelligence and engineering.

Calling the initiative a big win for vocational education, Trump stressed that it would both equip students with modern technical expertise and help Harvard move beyond past controversies. “They’ll be teaching people AI, engines, and many other important skills,” he remarked, presenting the agreement as a fresh start for the university.

The development comes against the backdrop of mounting federal scrutiny of elite universities, which Trump has accused of ideological bias and of failing to protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian demonstrations — charges Harvard has rejected.

Court rulings and prior federal actions have already curtailed Harvard’s access to government funding.This accord follows a similar $200 million settlement reached with Columbia University earlier this year, which also required changes to admissions and hiring practices, including restrictions on the use of race as a factor.

Other institutions have faced pressure from the administration over policies ranging from campus speech to participation of transgender women in women’s sports.

Harvard has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar