Columbia University has discussed paying some $200 million to settle with the Trump administration after losing about $400 million in canceled grants and contracts, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Negotiations continue to work through what has been a financial road full of potholes since the administration went after Columbia for civil rights violations.

In early March, the Trump administration announced it was terminating a long list of line-item funding to Columbia due to anti-Israel protests that roiled U.S. college campuses after the 2023 Hamas-led attack against Israel, in addition to Columbia's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

The Journal said the talks have included the potential of the restoration of the lost government funding.

A spokesperson told the Journal, "The University is focused on advancing discussions with the federal government. There is no resolution at this time."

Last month, Columbia University posted a video of acting Columbia President Clair Shipman in which she said a long-term agreement with the government could be valuable.

"It's essential to restore our research partnership with the government, if possible. I will always advocate for conversation as long as it is productive," she said.

But she said that does not mean giving up control.

"We must maintain our autonomy and independent governance. We decide who teaches at our institution, what they teach, and which students we admit."

Shipman said the reality is that the government does have a say in where taxpayer dollars are sent, and beyond.

"The government has the ability to regulate us, and we are committed to following the law."

She said capitulation is not a part of the picture, but change is involved.

"We've committed to change. We've made progress, but we have more to do."

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