Washington, DC (May 28, 2026)

A new report is drawing attention in Washington over allegations that Qatar spent more than $65 million on programs tied to American education, including initiatives reaching universities, K-12 schools, teacher training programs, and national education networks.

The report claims the funding was routed over a 17-year period through Qatar Foundation International and related educational partnerships. Its authors allege that the programs helped advance classroom materials and training frameworks that presented Israel in a sharply negative light, questioned its legitimacy as both a Jewish and democratic state, and promoted views that could weaken support for regional peace efforts.

The findings also raise concerns that some educational content may have framed extremist groups in overly sympathetic terms, including language that could blur the distinction between political activism and terrorism. The report argues that such materials risk shaping how students and educators understand the Middle East, Israel, and the broader conflict with Islamist movements.

According to the report, the outreach extended beyond higher education and into public and private school settings, giving Qatar-linked institutions access to younger students and the educators responsible for teaching them. It also claims that particular attention was given to states with large immigrant communities and broader strategic value.

The allegations come amid growing national scrutiny of foreign funding in American education, especially where outside governments or government-linked entities may influence curriculum, research, or teacher development without sufficient transparency. Lawmakers and watchdog groups have increasingly called for stricter disclosure rules covering foreign gifts, grants, and institutional partnerships.

The report urges federal authorities to investigate Qatar Foundation International and consider whether the organization should be treated as a foreign agent. Such a step would impose heightened oversight and could sharply limit its ability to fund or shape educational activity in the United States.

The claims have not yet been adjudicated by federal authorities, but they are likely to fuel renewed debate over foreign influence, antisemitism, transparency, and the role of outside funding in American classrooms.