Trump Administration Enhances Scrutiny of Foreign Funding in U.S. Universities

The Trump administration is intensifying efforts to identify foreign influence in U.S. colleges by involving the State Department alongside the Department of Education. This includes enforcing Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, requiring universities to report foreign gifts over $250,000. Officials emphasize improving compliance and transparency, citing concerns over foreign funding's impact, while also noting President Trump's threats to cut federal funding over various campus issues, raising debates on academic freedom and free speech.