In brief
The Trump administration has introduced a politically motivated survey that requires researchers working overseas to disclose their affiliations with foreign governments, particularly those classified as hostile or totalitarian.
The Trump administration has issued a new directive demanding that researchers and organizations involved in international projects reveal their connections to what the government considers hostile entities, including those affiliated with communist or totalitarian regimes. This is outlined in a recent questionnaire obtained by The New York Times, targeting groups engaged in crucial areas such as public health research, disease surveillance, and data gathering.This online survey was dispatched to organizations funded by federal sources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Recipients of the survey, which is notably reminiscent of one previously distributed to USAID partners, are being pressed to respond within just 48 hours. Some recipients have expressed concerns that failing to provide politically favorable responses could risk their existing funding.The wording of the questionnaire conveys a clear stance: “Taxpayer dollars must not fund dependency, socialism, corrupt regimes that oppose free enterprise, or intervene in internal matters of another sovereign nation.” It emphasizes a preference for bolstering domestic growth, innovation, and economic strength over foreign assistance.Critics of the administration's approach argue that such surveys could deter vital international collaboration, particularly in developing public health infrastructure and addressing global health challenges. The potential implications for funding and support in essential research areas are causing significant concern among international scientists and health organizations reliant on U.S. financial backing.
