Trump Says Harvard to Operate Trade Schools Under $500M Settlement Deal
WASHINGTON, Oct 1 — In a dramatic development that’s stirring both controversy and conversation, former President Donald Trump revealed today that his administration is nearing a US$500 million (RM2.1 billion) financial settlement with Harvard University. The deal, according to Trump, would see the Ivy League institution operate trade schools, signaling a major shift in the university’s traditional academic identity.
“We’re getting very close,” Trump stated during a White House press appearance. “They’ll be paying about $500 million, and they’ll be operating trade schools. They’ll be teaching people how to do AI, work with engines — all sorts of things. A big investment in hands-on learning, done by very smart people. And then, their sins are forgiven.”
Harvard has not yet responded publicly to Trump’s remarks.
The announcement comes amidst escalating tensions between Trump and some of the nation’s top universities. The administration has sharply criticized elite academic institutions like Harvard for allegedly promoting “woke” ideology and failing to protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests — claims Harvard continues to firmly deny.
In early September, a Boston judge ordered the administration to lift its $2.6 billion federal funding freeze on Harvard, accusing Trump’s Department of Education of weaponizing antisemitism as a pretext for attacking higher education institutions.
However, just weeks later, fresh restrictions were imposed — including a demand that Harvard self-fund student financial aid programs previously covered by federal support.
This crackdown isn’t isolated to Harvard. In July, Columbia University paid $200 million to the administration and agreed to exclude race-based considerations in admissions and hiring. University of Pennsylvania followed suit, banning transgender women from women’s sports teams — a move reflecting Trump-era cultural policies being forced onto education systems.
But What Does This Really Mean?
Behind the headlines and political theater is a bigger question: What is the future of education in America? If a world-renowned institution like Harvard is being pushed toward trade education under political pressure, are we witnessing a transformation in the very definition of higher learning?
On the one hand, bringing AI and technical skills to broader audiences could be a powerful opportunity. On the other, we must be vigilant about preserving academic independence, freedom of expression, and ethical leadership in our education systems — not just prestige.
Regardless of politics, this news reminds us that education isn’t just about institutions. It’s about people — students, educators, and communities who will shape the next chapter of society. And we all have a role to play in protecting and evolving it.