US Politicians Push for Investigations Into Shein and Temu Over Forced Labor and IP Theft Claims
Published on December 2, 2025
In a growing political and legal storm, fast-fashion giants Shein and Temu are facing mounting pressure in the United States, as two senior US politicians have called for investigations into the companies’ business practices. The probes are focused on serious allegations of forced labor, intellectual property theft, and the sale of unsafe products, raising significant concerns about the impact of these platforms on American consumers and businesses.
In Texas, the state’s Attorney General, Ken Paxton, has launched an investigation into Shein, following reports of potential violations of labor laws and environmental standards. Paxton’s move mirrors similar probes in several European nations, further intensifying the scrutiny on Shein, which has faced criticism for its reliance on Chinese manufacturing and its rapid production cycles.
On a broader scale, Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas has called for a federal investigation into Shein and Temu, accusing both platforms of stealing intellectual property from American designers and undermining the US fashion industry. The senator has also raised alarms about the platforms’ ties to China, referring to them as “Communist Chinese” platforms, and accusing them of contributing to a wave of counterfeit goods flooding the US market.
A Rising Tide of Concerns
Shein, which is headquartered in Singapore, has been under fire for allegedly sourcing most of its products from factories in China, where it was founded. The company has faced numerous accusations from designers and small American brands, who claim that Shein copies their original creations, often just days after they are released, selling them at a fraction of the price.
Senator Cotton has also criticized Temu, a rapidly growing platform with hundreds of millions of users, accusing it of selling counterfeit products, including “sophisticated and deceptive fakes.” Cotton pointed to a US investigation that found a significant proportion of items purchased from Shein and Temu were likely counterfeits. The senator’s letter to US Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that the changes to US import rules in August — particularly the abolition of the de minimis rule, which allowed low-cost goods to enter the country tariff-free — presented a “golden opportunity” for authorities to clamp down on these practices.
Allegations of Forced Labor and Unsafe Products
Adding to the pressure, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has highlighted concerns about Shein’s alleged use of forced labor in its supply chain. Paxton’s office is investigating claims that Shein’s operations may violate Texas state law by using hazardous materials in its products and misleading consumers about the ethical sourcing of its goods.
“I will not allow cheap, dangerous, foreign goods to flood America and jeopardize our health,” Paxton stated in an online message. His office’s investigation also aims to examine Shein’s data collection practices, amid growing concerns over consumer privacy and security. Paxton’s investigation into Shein is just one part of a larger effort to scrutinize fast-fashion retailers that dominate online marketplaces and contribute to unsustainable production methods.
Shein has responded to these concerns, saying in a statement that it “takes the concerns raised about its business practices seriously” and will cooperate fully with Paxton’s investigation. However, the company did not directly address Senator Cotton’s calls for a broader federal investigation.
Global Scrutiny and Local Impact
Beyond the US, Shein is facing increasing scrutiny in Europe. The European Union has raised concerns about the sale of harmful or inappropriate products on Shein’s platform, such as childlike sex dolls and weapons. French authorities flagged these items in November, calling for greater regulation of third-party marketplaces like Shein.
Temu is also under investigation in France for spreading harmful content to young people through its platform. Both companies are now facing a global backlash as concerns about their business practices intensify.
Meanwhile, Paxton’s investigations and his recent lawsuit against the popular gaming platform Roblox — which he accuses of misleading parents about safety concerns — have drawn attention to the broader issue of consumer protection in the digital age. While Roblox has denied the allegations, Paxton’s actions reflect growing bipartisan concern over the risks posed by large, unregulated online platforms.
A Turning Point for Fast Fashion?
As both Shein and Temu continue to grow, their future in the US market may hinge on the outcomes of these investigations. With politicians like Senator Cotton and Attorney General Paxton taking a more active role in investigating labor practices, intellectual property violations, and consumer safety issues, the pressure on these companies to adopt more transparent and ethical practices is likely to increase.
For now, Shein and Temu have stated that they are committed to cooperating with the investigations. Shein, in particular, has emphasized its willingness to engage constructively with authorities in Texas, though the company has yet to address broader concerns raised by Cotton’s national probe.
The scrutiny on these fast-fashion giants could mark a turning point in the US, as regulators look to clamp down on the unchecked growth of Chinese-based platforms that dominate global e-commerce. The outcome of these investigations will likely influence how other international retailers operating in the US market adapt to the changing regulatory environment.
