Story perspectives

Trump Targets Foreign Gifts to Universities Amid Protests

2/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on February 23, 2026 that the State Department will help enforce Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, requiring reporting of foreign gifts over $250,000.
Trump has threatened to cut federal funding to universities over pro-Palestinian protests and diversity initiatives.
In 2025, U.S. colleges reported 8,300 foreign transactions totaling $5.2 billion, with Qatar the largest contributor at $1.1 billion, underscoring the need for transparency.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on February 23, 2026 that the State Department will help enforce Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, requiring reporting of foreign gifts over $250,000.
Trump has threatened to cut federal funding to universities over pro-Palestinian protests and diversity initiatives.
In 2025, U.S. colleges reported 8,300 foreign transactions totaling $5.2 billion, with Qatar the largest contributor at $1.1 billion, underscoring the need for transparency.