Ankara: Harvard University and the Trump administration are reportedly on the verge of reaching a $500 million settlement, as suggested by recent media reports.

According to Anadolu Agency, The New York Times, citing four anonymous sources, reported that the prospective settlement could restore billions of dollars in federal research funding for Harvard. Last week, representatives from the White House and Harvard made significant strides in closed-door negotiations, working towards a settlement framework.

Three of the sources indicated that, under this proposed framework, Harvard would agree-at the federal government's urging-to allocate $500 million towards vocational and educational programs, as well as research initiatives. Another source mentioned that the university would also commit to continuing its efforts to combat antisemitism on campus.

The report further noted that if the settlement is finalized, President Donald Trump's administration would conclude its investigations into the university. This agreement would allow Harvard to regain access to research funding and bypass the appointment of a monitor, a condition the university opposed to protect its academic independence.

Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has targeted several prominent universities, accusing them of promoting "woke" policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which Trump claims are discriminatory and illegal. His administration has threatened to withdraw federal funding from such institutions as part of its actions.

Trump has also been vocal in his criticism of universities for permitting pro-Palestinian protests, which he argues are antisemitic. However, these protests often target the state of Israel's policies rather than the Jewish community, with many Jews themselves condemning Israel's actions.

In response, universities argue that the administration's efforts to control them infringe on free speech and academic freedom, labeling such attempts as un-American.