By Gabriel Ani
WASHINGTON — United states President Donald Trump on Tuesday accused Harvard University of antisemitism and illegal conduct, saying he is seeking $1 billion in damages and wants no future relationship with the Ivy League institution.
In a statement posted on his social media account, Trump said Harvard had been “feeding a lot of ‘nonsense’ to The Failing New York Times” and had “for a long time, [been] behaving very badly.”
“Strongly Antisemitic Harvard University has been feeding a lot of ‘nonsense’ to The Failing New York Times,” Trump wrote. “Harvard has been, for a long time, behaving very badly!”
Trump claimed the university proposed what he described as a “convoluted job training concept” that was rejected because it was “wholly inadequate” and unlikely to succeed. He alleged the proposal was an attempt by Harvard to avoid “a large cash settlement of more than 500 Million Dollars,” adding that the figure “should be much higher for the serious and heinous illegalities that they have committed.”
“This should be a Criminal, not Civil, event, and Harvard will have to live with the consequences of their wrongdoings,” Trump said. “In any event, this case will continue until justice is served.”
Trump also criticized Harvard President Alan Garber, saying he had failed to address the controversy surrounding the university. Garber assumed the role after antisemitism-related allegations involving Harvard became public.
“Dr. Alan Garber, the President of Harvard, has done a terrible job of rectifying a very bad situation for his institution and, more importantly, America, itself,” Trump wrote. “He was hired AFTER the antisemitism charges were brought — I wonder why???”
Trump said he is now seeking $1 billion in damages and signaled a complete break with the university.
“We are now seeking One Billion Dollars in damages, and want nothing further to do, into the future, with Harvard University,” he said.
In his post, Trump also cited a passage he attributed to The New York Times, which he said suggested some individuals connected to Harvard believe the university may eventually have to reach a settlement.
“Some connected to the University, however, think Harvard has no option but to eventually cut a deal,” Trump quoted. He added that efforts by the administration to cut off research grants would be “an untenable crises,” noting that Harvard, like other major research universities, relies heavily on federal funding.
Harvard University did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
