Michigan University faces federal probe on foreign funding

The U.S. Education Department has launched a foreign funding investigation into the University of Michigan, citing incomplete disclosures and national security concerns tied to a recent FBI case.

As part of the probe, the department has requested detailed documentation within 30 days, including tax records and a list of all foreign gifts, grants, and contracts.

In response, the university stated it would fully cooperate with federal investigators and emphasized its commitment to legal compliance.

"We strongly condemn any actions that seek to cause harm, threaten national security or undermine the university's critical public mission," the statement said.

Federal data shows that since 2020, the university received $375 million in foreign funding, with $86 million of that amount reported late. U.S. law mandates disclosure of foreign donations exceeding $250,000 annually.

The investigation is part of a wider effort by the Trump administration to increase oversight of U.S. universities on issues such as foreign funding, protests, and diversity programmes.

Similar reviews are underway at Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and UC Berkeley.

Copied