Earlier this week, President Trump announced that his administration had set a deadline "within the next two weeks" for Iran to get its act together on giving up its nuke ambitions, with negotiations at that moment set to get underway Friday with the Europeans and the U.K, and prospective talks with U.S.officials like White House Envoy Steve Witkoff or possibly Vice President JD Vance--something that's unconfirmed but making the rounds on Saturday afternoon.
There's more to handle in the country than foreign affairs, of course. Now, the president has turned his attention to a domestic situation that's been stewing in the courts for several weeks--Harvard University's pushing back against the administration's efforts to bring it to heel over DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in its hiring practices, potentially discriminatory admissions policies, and not doing enough to rein in antisemitic activities--including harassment and intimidation of Jewish students and others--and sometimes violent, anti-Israel protests on campus
We need to back up a little bit, before we get to what Trump said on Saturday, since there was a legal order just yesterday. On Friday, a judge ruled that the university can return to allowing international students on campus despite Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem seeking to eliminate the student visa policy there:
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Friday blocked the Trump administration’s efforts to keep Harvard University from hosting international students, delivering the Ivy League school another victory as it challenges multiple government sanctions amid a battle with the White House.
The order from U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs in Boston preserves Harvard’s ability to host foreign students while the case is decided, but it falls short of resolving all of Harvard’s legal hurdles to hosting international students [allowing them to stay in the country legally]. Notably, Burroughs said the federal government still has authority to review Harvard’s ability to host international students through normal processes outlined in law.
The DHS's action, if it goes into effect, could affect around 7,000 students.
READ MORE: Trump Continues War on Harvard and Antisemitism, DHS Secretary Noem Hits 'Em Where It Hurts
There's been a turn-around on the tensions this week, it appears, with direct talks happening at the White House between administration officials and representatives from Harvard, according to people familiar, per WaPo:
The discussions began again this week at a meeting in the White House. At the meeting, Harvard representatives showed White House officials a PowerPoint presentation that laid out measures the school has taken on antisemitism, viewpoint diversity and admissions.
In turn, the White House signaled other steps it would like for Harvard to take on those subjects and later sent a letter laying out conditions that could resolve the conflict, according to one of the people.
Pres. Trump took to his Truth Social account about the situation on Friday, stating that the Harvard people "have acted extremely appropriately during these negotiations, and appear to be committed to doing what is right," calling a potential settlement based on how things look now "'mindbogglingly’ HISTORIC, and very good for our Country." Here's where some disagreement between the two sides might come into play: [emphasis added]
“Many people have been asking what is going on with Harvard University and their largescale improprieties that we have been addressing, looking for a solution," he added. "We have been working closely with Harvard, and it is very possible that a Deal will be announced over the next week or so.”
The Washington Post, in the story linked above, has a reaction from the folks who says they've been briefed on the WH talks:
Two people...said it was highly unlikely a deal would be reached in the next week.
We'll be watching to see whose prediction turns out to be right over the next seven days. Keep it here.
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