Trump Administration Intensifies Scrutiny of Foreign University Funding

Recently, the Trump administration is ramping up its initiatives to uncover what it views as negative foreign influence on U.S. colleges and universities. This effort involves collaboration between the State Department and the Department of Education.

President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw federal funding from universities that engage in activities such as pro-Palestinian protests or implement policies regarding diversity and inclusion. These actions have raised concerns over free speech and academic freedom.

In April 2025, Trump signed an executive order enforcing Section 117 of the Higher Education Act. This section mandates that colleges receiving federal funds report foreign gifts or contracts exceeding $250,000. Following this, the Department of Education launched a new reporting portal for universities.

According to Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers, the State Department's involvement aims to enhance compliance and oversight efforts. Rogers stated that they will apply their national security expertise to improve the scrutiny of foreign funding in higher education.

While officials have not provided specific examples of undue foreign influence, they emphasize the need for increased transparency and compliance from universities. A Senate subcommittee report from 2019 highlighted China's impact on U.S. education, which has prompted stricter enforcement of disclosure regulations.

In 2025, U.S. colleges and universities reported over 8,300 transactions totaling $5.2 billion from foreign sources, including government and private entities. Qatar was identified as the largest source of funding, followed by the UK and China.