Trump says near deal with Harvard, $500 million payment expected

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that his administration is close to reaching a deal with Harvard University that would end a monthslong standoff between the two parties, with the university expected to pay about $500 million, the president said at the White House. Trump said details were being finalized but acknowledged the agreement was not yet complete, saying, "We are in the process of getting very close" and "We haven't done it yet." Harvard did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Trump and his administration have for months directed a series of investigations and financial penalties at Harvard as part of a broader effort to press universities to change certain policies and governance practices. Administration actions against the university have included cuts to more than $2.6 billion in research grants, the loss of federal contracts and steps intended to limit the school's ability to enroll some foreign students. A resolution, if finalized, would likely lift or resolve those sanctions.

At a separate White House appearance, Trump described components of what he said would be part of the agreement, including the creation of trade schools and programs to teach...