Trump fights Harvard: what is known

This is stated in a letter from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to Harvard President Alan Garber.

In the letter, Lutnick stated that the university is failing to fulfill its obligations to American taxpayers, which paves the way for a process that could result in the government confiscating the institution's patents under the Baye-Dole Act.

Harvard has until September 5 to prove it complies with the requirements, including whether it favors manufacturing in the United States, or risk losing its patents.

"This unprecedented action is yet another retaliation against Harvard for defending its rights and freedoms," a university spokesman said.

He assured that the institution is committed to upholding the Baye-Dole Act, ensuring that the public has access to and can benefit from the many innovations that are created through federally funded research at Harvard.

The move is the latest escalation in the White House's fight with Harvard over more than $2 billion in suspended federal funding, as the two sides negotiate a possible settlement.

This is also the first time the administration has used the Commerce Department and patent law in its pressure campaign against Harvard and other elite educational institutions.

A US federal court is considering a case brought by Harvard University against the Trump administration, related to a $2.6 billion cut in government funding to the world-renowned educational institution.