Several top universities in the U.S. have reportedly received substantial funding—amounting to over $27.6 million—from foreign entities listed on federal watch lists, including those linked to the Chinese military. This information, which surfaced from government data, highlights donations to institutions such as Northwestern University, UC Irvine, UC Berkeley, and others.
A spokesperson from the Department of Education commented that American universities have accepted nearly $405 million from entities representing national security threats. They noted that previous administrations have often overlooked or concealed this data, but changes are now underway. The updated Section 117 dashboard, implemented during the Trump administration, aims to clarify funding sources for students and taxpayers alike.
Continuing connections with these foreign institutions could potentially jeopardize universities’ access to federal grants, according to a letter sent from the undersecretary of state for public diplomacy. This urgency was emphasized in the letter, highlighting the significant national security concerns surrounding such funding.
Notably, China Aero Engine Corporation, which is noted for its ties to the military, has contributed $7.8 million to select universities over recent years. This concern isn’t new; the push for transparency regarding foreign funding sources has grown over the years, culminating in an executive order by President Trump in April 2025 aimed at gathering more detailed information from universities.
Meanwhile, the University of California, Berkeley continues to attract funding from Chinese firms on watch lists. For instance, it recently received a grant of $7.6 million from Sun Yat-sen University, which is also under scrutiny for its activities.
In response to these reports, a spokesperson for UC Berkeley asserted that the university follows all necessary regulations regarding foreign funding. They also contested some claims in the CBS report, clarifying that their mention in the context of the Department of Energy pertains solely to geographic location and not to any organizational oversight.
On another front, Bryant University disclosed a $22.6 million contract with the Beijing Institute of Technology aimed at maintaining academic programs in China. They indicated that this contract was linked to a program established in 2014, although now that the Beijing institution is also on federal watch lists, Bryant is taking steps to dissociate from this relationship.
As discussions continue about foreign funding in higher education, the scrutiny may not let up soon, especially given the ongoing tensions in U.S.-China relations. The situation raises questions about transparency and the impact of international funding on education, especially in critical areas of research and technology.
