Greg Murphy, a representative from North Carolina, has expressed concerns regarding Confucius Institutes, which he describes as a threat to academic freedom. He has called for action to prevent what he terms Chinese propaganda in U.S. universities. Murphy made these remarks on the social media platform X.
“We must protect our campuses from attempts by China to undermine our students,” said Murphy. “Confucius Institutes are a gateway to the CCP’s soft war on America. We cannot allow Beijing to spread propaganda in our colleges and universities.”
In May 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 881, known as the “DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act.” This legislation aims to block federal funding for universities that partner with Confucius Institutes or designated Chinese entities. According to NBC 15, this bipartisan legislation reflects growing concern over foreign influence on college campuses and seeks to protect academic freedom and national security from programs linked to the Chinese government.
The National Association of Scholars reports that since 2019, 104 out of 118 Confucius Institutes that once operated at U.S. universities have closed, leaving only ten remaining as of 2023. These closures were primarily driven by federal scrutiny and the potential loss of government funding, prompting institutions to reassess their partnerships with programs backed by the Chinese government.
A U.S. Senate investigation documented at least 80 instances of Chinese government influence in American educational institutions. These ranged from undisclosed donations to efforts at curriculum control. A report from the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee highlights these findings, reinforcing calls for transparency and stricter oversight to prevent foreign interference in academia.
Murphy, a Republican representing North Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District since 2019, serves on several committees including Ways and Means, Veterans’ Affairs, and House Administration. His official biography notes that he prioritizes healthcare reform, education policy, and national security while drawing on his experience as a physician to inform his legislative work.
