The Department of Defense has mandated that 30 U.S. universities conduct an audit of their partnerships with foreign institutions, primarily those in China and some in Iran and Russia. This directive, issued as part of the Trump administration's focus on China's global influence, aims to safeguard taxpayer-funded research from potential theft and exploitation. Universities have two weeks to complete the review and terminate any arrangements deemed problematic or risk losing federal funding.

Emil Michael, the Pentagon’s chief technology officer, stated that the department has "zero tolerance for academic partnerships that compromise our national security." While the specific universities were not named in the announcement, a U.S. official indicated that institutions such as Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Johns Hopkins University are among those receiving the order.

The American Council on Education, which represents university presidents, has expressed concern that the announcement implies wrongdoing without providing evidence. Sarah Spreitzer, vice president of the organization, noted that the council had previously assisted the Pentagon in developing a list of foreign institutions accused of activities that could lead to the misappropriation of U.S. government-funded research. She voiced worries that U.S. schools might be held accountable for partnerships predating this list's creation.

This audit occurs amidst broader concerns from the Trump administration regarding China's activities in the Americas, including its ownership of ports and infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road initiative. The Justice Department is also reportedly investigating potential issues with Chinese donor-created scholarships at Harvard University that may exclude American students.

A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy responded by opposing the "politicization of normal scientific, educational, and academic exchanges" and urged the U.S. to adopt an "open, fair, and non-discriminatory environment" for bilateral exchanges.