The Trump administration sends researchers politically charged investigations

The Trump administration asked researchers and organizations overseas about their relationships with people deemed hostile, including “communists, socialists, or totalitarian entities,” according to a survey obtained by the New York Times.

The online survey was sent this week to groups working abroad to study diseases such as HIV, collect surveillance data and strengthen public health systems. Beneficiaries received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and other federal sources.

The survey appears to be very similar to that sent to a partner at the US International Development Agency earlier this week, and has been largely dismantled by the Trump administration. Both were entitled “Foreign Support Review.”

Recipients were instructed to respond within 48 hours. Some grantees interviewed by the Times feared that inpolitik or inadequate answers could lead to cancellation of funds.

“Taxpayer dollars must not fund corrupt regimes against dependence, socialism, or free enterprise, or intervene in internal issues of another sovereign state,” the survey said.

“A truly thriving America will prioritize domestic growth, innovation and economic strength over foreign handouts,” he added.

A White House spokesman did not reply to requests for comment regarding the investigation.

This form asks a series of questions that touch the collaborators, including whether grant recipients will work in drug cartels or “groups that promote large movements.”

Ask about the program's impact, including whether it will affect other countries' “promote religious freedom and combat Christian persecution.”

Ask recipients to see if they or their organizations are working with Russia, Cuba, Iran, or China, or if they are working with China's Ministry of Education to promote language and cultural exchange with American students.

Some federal officials overseeing the grant said they were particularly disappointed by the question asking them to deny the association with the Communist entity. The United States supports health activities in many communist countries, including Vietnam.

“Some of my grantees are literally the structure of public health governments in communist countries,” said a federal official who spoke anonymously for fear of retaliation. “This is painful.”

Awards and contracts to support the group were under review during a 90-day suspension of foreign aid, but in some cases have been cancelled and restored over the past few weeks. The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the federal government to resume payments.

Various versions of surveys will be sent starting Wednesday, with deadlines appearing to range from midnight on Friday to 5pm on Monday. However, this process is full of confusion.

Some grantees appear to have been given an extension, while others have been denied. Some noted that deadlines appear to have changed as copies of the survey were received daily.

Beneficiaries included scientists from large universities and research programs in the United States, as well as small organizations overseas. Some surveys were clearly sent incorrectly. One was received by the Maine Health Department.

The lead investigator with two CDC grants for the national research project received an email Thursday evening, but only tells him to ignore his previous mission on Friday morning.

The answer is intended to be filled out by yourself at a time, and there is no way to save the response for a break. The form estimates it will take 30 minutes, including the required data and the time required to collect the documents.

“These work orders, terminations, exemptions, revived awards, and a confused way to halt investigations — all deadlines and minimal communication sent — are distracting and incredibly destructive,” said the scientist, who spoke anonymously in fear of losing funds.

Some American grantees have turned to lawyers for advice on how to phrase a response.

Organizations based overseas are at the most disadvantage. One CDC official said the suspension of communications that the Trump administration imposed weeks ago prevented them from talking to federal officials a few weeks ago has prevented them from still being able to help.

The grantees are only permitted to speak to American officials in the country in which they are based.

“They can lose the critical funds they need to do their job if they don't answer these questions properly,” said a federal official who spoke anonymously for fear of retaliation.