The U.S. State Department plans to allocate funds to support right-wing think tanks and charities in Europe that align with the Trump administration’s policies, aiming to promote American values and address concerns about free speech. Sarah Rogers, a senior official at the State Department, recently engaged with influential figures in European populist movements, including Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, to discuss this initiative.
This funding initiative is connected to the upcoming celebration of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and is expected to raise eyebrows among allies, particularly those in center-left governments, such as the Labour party in the UK. Critics fear that U.S. government funds could be used to undermine local policies. A U.S. official highlighted that this program is a variation of previous initiatives that redirected funding to specific causes abroad, focusing primarily on London, Paris, Berlin, and Brussels.
The Trump administration has previously aimed to significantly reduce foreign assistance, primarily affecting programs dedicated to promoting good governance, human rights, and democracy. Rogers’ current efforts appear to challenge existing European regulatory frameworks, including the UK’s Online Safety Act and the EU’s Digital Services Act, which the administration critiques as threats to free speech.
Rogers has been vocally critical of European laws concerning online content regulation, labeling them as “tyrannical and absurd.” Despite her positive view towards promoting freedom of speech, some within the populist party express concerns about the implications of a close association with U.S. policies, given the low approval ratings of Trump within the UK.
Why this story matters: The initiative could reshape transatlantic relations and influence European political discourse on free speech.
Key takeaway: The U.S. is investing in European entities to promote American values amid criticism of local policies.
Opposing viewpoint: Critics argue that this funding undermines local governance and could provoke backlash within European political circles.
