Federal authorities have launched an investigation into UC Berkeley over allegations that the university failed to disclose millions in Chinese funding, raising concerns about foreign influence in American higher education.

At a Glance

• The Trump administration opened an investigation into UC Berkeley’s foreign funding, particularly its partnership with China’s Tsinghua University
• The probe centers on potential violations of Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, which requires disclosure of foreign gifts over $250,000
• Media reports claim UC Berkeley failed to disclose $220 million from the Chinese government for the Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute
• The university denies allegations of non-disclosure and says it has been cooperating with federal inquiries
• The investigation is part of a broader effort targeting elite universities and their foreign funding sources

Foreign Funding Under Scrutiny

The Trump administration has launched a formal investigation into UC Berkeley regarding potential violations of federal disclosure requirements for foreign funding. The inquiry focuses on the university’s partnership with China’s Tsinghua University and the Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, which has received significant Chinese funding since 2016.

At issue is compliance with Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which mandates that American universities report foreign gifts and contracts exceeding $250,000. This investigation follows a similar probe into Harvard University, signaling intensified scrutiny of elite educational institutions and their international financial ties.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon highlighted the seriousness of the investigation, stating the department “will begin by thoroughly examining UC Berkeley’s apparent failure to fully and accurately disclose significant funding received from foreign sources.”

The probe comes after President Trump signed executive orders to enhance enforcement of Section 117 requirements, which critics suggest is targeting universities perceived as liberal adversaries. The investigation will determine whether the California institution violated federal transparency laws regarding its overseas funding sources.

🚨🇺🇸BREAKING: UC BERKELEY UNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION OVER FOREIGN FUNDING

The U.S. Education Department is investigating UC Berkeley for allegedly failing to properly disclose foreign funding – particularly hundreds of millions linked to China.

At the center of the probe:… https://t.co/solSJwj1L8 pic.twitter.com/0Q1KnVzB2L

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 25, 2025

Chinese Connection and National Security Concerns

According to media reports, UC Berkeley allegedly failed to disclose approximately $220 million received from the Chinese government for the Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute. This revelation has sparked national security concerns, especially in light of a report by Republican members of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.

The report highlighted how U.S. tax dollars may inadvertently aid China’s technological and military advancements through academic collaborations. These partnerships, while academically valuable, potentially create vulnerabilities in protecting American intellectual property and research integrity.

In response to growing scrutiny, UC Berkeley has announced plans to unwind its partnership with Tsinghua University. The university maintains it “engage[s] only in research whose results are always openly disseminated around the world” and claims to be “not aware of any research by Berkeley faculty at TBSI conducted for any other purpose.” Despite these assurances, federal investigators remain concerned about the transparency of foreign funding and its potential influence on American academic institutions.

Broader Implications for American Universities

The investigations into UC Berkeley and Harvard are part of a broader effort to examine foreign influence in American higher education. Project 2025, a conservative policy agenda, has specifically highlighted Section 117 as a tool to potentially reduce federal funding to top universities. These actions have raised alarms among education experts about potential threats to academic freedom and international collaboration. Critics argue that excessive scrutiny could impede essential research partnerships and isolate American universities from the global academic community.

Supporters of the investigations argue that transparency in foreign funding is essential to protect American interests and prevent undue influence from foreign governments, particularly China. The Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute inquiry revisits a 2023 investigation, suggesting ongoing concerns about this particular partnership. Tsinghua University, which maintains partnerships with multiple American institutions, has reportedly provided significant funding to UC Berkeley. These financial relationships have come under increased scrutiny as tensions between the United States and China continue to affect academic and research collaborations.