Former Republican Congresswoman Michelle Steel, representing California, recently expressed her concerns about the impact of U.S. universities on national security, particularly in relation to Chinese nationals. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Steel emphasized that the educational institutions are being used to train individuals who could potentially harm American interests.
The remarks were made after the arrest of several Chinese nationals involved in a bioweapons smuggling case, which has sparked renewed discussions about the intersection of academic collaboration and national security. Steel’s comments align with a broader political discourse regarding the role of foreign students and researchers in the United States, especially in light of the recent charges against the individuals.