House Republican Reps. John Moolenaar, Tim Walberg and Elise Stefanik sent Harvard University a letter on May 19, 2025, demanding details on research collaborations linked to China and Iran. This inquiry arises from claims that since 2020, Harvard researchers have been involved in collaborative work with Chinese institutions on studies supported by funding linked to the Iranian government, including as recently as 2024.
The letter highlights Harvard’s repeated training of the sanctioned Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), a Chinese paramilitary group accused of genocide against Uyghur Muslims. The letter also questions the university’s compliance with U.S. Law.
Lawmakers expressed strong concerns that the services and resources offered during these events might breach U.S. regulations and potentially have been utilized by the XPCC to intensify the suppression of the Uyghur population and other ethnic groups in China, highlighting significant national security implications.
The investigation will continue to pressure Harvard for transparency by June 2, 2025, with potential legal and reputational consequences if the university fails to address its foreign ties and concerns regarding dual-use research.
