Joseph Jewell

Stories

Pentagon designates Confucius Institutes a national security threat

Oversaw the research security audits of 30 universities

The Pentagon labeled Confucius Institutes a national security threat on October 23, 2026. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the department had dismantled 80 Chinese-backed programs that re-formed under new names at 30 American universities.

Updated Yesterday

Notable Quotes

These academic institutions that went above and beyond deserve immense credit for setting the benchmark in domestic research security.

from Pentagon designates Confucius Institutes a national security threat · Updated Yesterday

Universities are critical partners in executing a wide range of Department of War research programs, and the Department must therefore ensure that our research investments are well protected from foreign exploitation.

from Pentagon designates Confucius Institutes a national security threat · Updated Yesterday