WASHINGTON: (Web Desk) – The United States announced Monday that it will expand transparency around foreign funding flowing into American universities, amid growing concern from conservative lawmakers about overseas influence. The State Department said it is partnering with the Education Department to launch a public portal detailing foreign donations and contracts, aiming to safeguard national interests and highlight potential risks.
Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent emphasized that the move is not directed at any specific country, but is intended to provide greater clarity for the public. He said transparency would allow Americans to better understand what foreign contributions might entail and whether they come with political or strategic influence.
According to the Education Department, foreign governments, businesses, and individuals donated $5.2 billion to US universities in 2025. Qatar was the largest contributor at more than $1.2 billion, followed by the United Kingdom with $633 million and China with $528 million. Major recipients included Carnegie Mellon University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University — all prominent research institutions.
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US law currently requires universities to report foreign gifts or contracts exceeding $250,000, though officials acknowledged that underreporting has occurred. Republican lawmakers are pushing legislation to lower the reporting threshold and introduce stricter penalties for non-compliance.
Concerns over foreign funding have intensified in recent years. Some conservative activists have criticized Qatar’s financial support for Middle Eastern studies programs, despite Doha’s close ties with President Donald Trump. China’s involvement has also drawn scrutiny, particularly over Confucius Institutes, which Congress has targeted over concerns they promote Beijing’s political narratives.
The renewed focus on foreign donations comes as the Trump administration has cut billions in federal research funding to universities. Administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance, have accused higher education institutions of ideological bias and failing to adequately address antisemitism during campus protests related to Israel’s war in Gaza.
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