In brief
The Trump administration's recent survey requires researchers working abroad to reveal connections to communist or totalitarian regimes, causing anxiety over future funding among scientists.
The Trump administration has issued a controversial survey directed at researchers involved in international projects, compelling them to reveal any affiliations with governments deemed hostile, which include those linked to "communist, socialist or totalitarian parties." This questionnaire, acquired by The New York Times, was distributed to organizations engaged in crucial global health research, covering areas like HIV and public health.Recipients of the survey, funded by agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Agency for International Development, were told they must respond within 48 hours. There are concerns among grant recipients that giving unfavorable or politically charged responses might jeopardize their funding.The survey emphasized that taxpayer dollars should not support foreign governments that hinder free enterprise, underlining a domestic focus on economic growth and innovation over international aid. It echoes a similar questionnaire previously sent to partners of the United States Agency for International Development, which has faced significant budget cuts under the current administration.
