Northwestern University is close to settling a high‑profile dispute with the White House that would require the school to pay a $75 million fine in exchange for restoration of federal research funds, according to people familiar with the talks. The agreement would resolve a pressure campaign by the current administration that targeted several research universities over alleged policy and compliance issues. Negotiators have been working to finalize terms that restore grants while imposing significant financial penalties. For research leaders and university finance officers, the potential deal signals a new playbook for how federal scrutiny and political pressure can intersect with university research portfolios and risk management.