Trump Administration Questions US-Funded Researchers Abroad For ‘Anti-American Beliefs’

The Trump administration is questioning U.S.-funded researchers abroad to ensure the projects do not contain anti-American or diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) topics.

A questionnaire sent to Canadian and Australian researchers involved in projects funded by the U.S. asks if the research contains “DEI elements” or “environmental justice” or if the research institutions work with “communist, socialist or totalitarian parties,” according to the document. The questionnaire stems from an executive memo issued Feb. 6 by the Trump administration instructing agencies to review all federally funded non-governmental organizations and align them with “future funding decisions with the interests of the United States.”

“Can you confirm that your agency has not collaborated with, had any accusations or investigations of working with an entity on the terrorism watch list, cartels, narco/human traffickers, organized or groups that promote mass migration in the last ten years,” one question asks. Another ensures projects “take appropriate measures to protect women and to defend against gender ideology” in alignment with President Donald Trump’s executive order.

Noncompliance with these standards could end with the Trump administration pulling funding from the researchers.

“Several agencies are sending questionnaires in compliance with President Trump’s executive order to reevaluate foreign aid,” White House Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly told the 🏢Daily Caller News Foundation. “Any foreign aid funded by American taxpayers should align with American interests.”