Washington, D.C. — May 9, 2025
In a major development aimed at enhancing transparency in higher education, President Donald J. Trump has signed a new executive order requiring all U.S. colleges and universities to publicly disclose any and all foreign funding they receive.
The executive order, signed Thursday morning, mandates that institutions of higher learning report foreign gifts, contracts, and partnerships exceeding $50,000 to the U.S. Department of Education on a quarterly basis. The move is being framed by the administration as a national security measure and a step toward protecting intellectual property and academic independence.
“American taxpayers should not be funding institutions that are secretly influenced by foreign governments,” President Trump said during a press conference at the White House. “This executive order ensures transparency, accountability, and the integrity of our educational system.”
The directive builds on existing provisions in Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, which already requires colleges to disclose substantial foreign gifts and contracts. However, the Trump administration argues that compliance has been inconsistent and that many universities have failed to report key details.
Under the new order, schools failing to meet the reporting requirements could face fines, loss of federal funding, or other penalties. A task force will also be established within the Department of Education to monitor compliance and investigate suspicious financial ties.
Critics of the executive order argue it may chill international collaboration and complicate research partnerships. Academic leaders also express concern about the administrative burden it could impose on universities already navigating complex funding landscapes.
Nevertheless, supporters view the order as a necessary step to counter foreign influence—particularly from countries like China, Russia, and Iran—on U.S. campuses. Several Republican lawmakers praised the decision, calling it a “long-overdue safeguard” for American academia.
The executive order takes effect immediately, with the first disclosures due by the end of the next fiscal quarter.
