ISGAP Says Qatar Spent $65 Million to Shape U.S. Education, Prompting Federal Probe Calls
Updated
Updated · Jewish Insider · May 27
ISGAP Says Qatar Spent $65 Million to Shape U.S. Education, Prompting Federal Probe Calls
1 articles · Updated · Jewish Insider · May 27
Summary
$65 million in Qatari funding reached more than 220 U.S. education programs from 2009 to 2025, an ISGAP report said, alleging a 17-year campaign to influence K-12 schools, universities, teacher training and national education networks.
The 54-page report says Qatar Foundation International went beyond Arabic-language support, steering social studies and other curricula, funding teachers directly, reviewing lesson plans and using Doha-trained educators to spread materials nationwide.
ISGAP also alleges QFI used federally backed Middle East National Resource Centers, professional teaching groups and a UNRWA-linked classroom program to amplify pro-Qatar and anti-Israel narratives while obscuring its foreign ties.
Federal action is now the report's central demand: ISGAP urged investigations, a halt to further Qatari or QFI funding, foreign-agent registration and tougher disclosure rules for schools and publicly funded programs.
Capitol Hill support emerged quickly, with lawmakers including Elise Stefanik, Josh Gottheimer, Kevin Kiley and Jared Moskowitz calling for tighter oversight and greater transparency around foreign influence in American education.
What are the long-term impacts of Qatar's 'soft power' strategy on America's education system?
How can the U.S. block foreign influence in schools without harming valuable international academic collaboration?
What classroom materials funded by Qatar have been identified as promoting controversial geopolitical narratives?
Qatar’s $65 Million Influence: How Qatar Foundation International Shaped U.S. Education and Sparked Calls for Federal Action
Overview
This report examines the unfolding scandal surrounding Qatar Foundation International (QFI), which is reportedly ending its direct operations amid growing scrutiny of foreign influence in American education. Experts suggest this move may be a strategic attempt to shift attention, as QFI’s influence could continue through indirect channels. A new ISGAP report reveals that QFI has deeply shaped U.S. classrooms by funding teacher training and curriculum development, often in partnership with major universities. These findings have sparked urgent calls for federal investigations, stricter transparency, and legislative action to prevent foreign entities from quietly shaping what American students learn.