The US State Department will provide funding to groups of experts and charitable organizations in Europe aligned with the principles of MAGA (Make America Great Again) to spread Washington’s political positions and combat threats to freedom of expression.
The initiative is set to channel grants from the US State Department to organizations linked to right-wing and populist movements in several European capitals, as part of a series of events marking the 250th anniversary of US independence later this year, writes Financial Times.
Sarah Rogers, a deputy secretary at the State Department, traveled to Europe in December to meet with influential right-wing expert groups and discuss with key figures from Nigel Farage's Reform UK party about allocating funds to promote American values, said three individuals familiar with the matter.
The decision is likely to cause consternation among Washington's European allies, especially among center-left governments, such as the UK Labour Party, concerned that American government funds are being used to undermine their policies, the newspaper cited.
Populists are pleased, but aware of risks
Washington's proposed funding initiative has sparked mixed reactions in Europe, with some right-wing figures welcoming the initiative but privately acknowledging the political risks.
An important figure in Reform UK told FT that American funding equates to a "hidden fund" of the State Department for MAGA-aligned initiatives, a characterization that the department rejected, describing the program as a transparent and legal use of public resources.
"The US administration is on a crusade to save Europe. They have a real weakness for the United Kingdom, but they feel threatened by dark forces spreading throughout Europe," said a key figure in Reform UK who spoke with Rogers about these plans.
"There are political dangers for us if we align too closely with the US," said one of the reformist figures.
Money from the "secret fund"
Another key figure in the movement said they were told that Rogers "had a secret fund at the State Department to launch MAGA-type actions in various places," adding that she is eager to "fund European organizations to undermine government policies."
A State Department spokesperson described the funding as "a transparent and legal use of resources to promote US interests and values abroad," and categorizing it as a "secret fund" is "completely false."
"Undersecretary of State Rogers' task is to support American objectives. We do not hesitate at all about that. Every grant is fully disclosed and made accountable," the official conveyed.
Rogers has been one of the most vocal critics of the Trump administration towards Europe, and during her travels in the region, she has made it clear Washington disapproves of European legislation on online safety.
In December, she traveled to London, Paris, Rome, and Milan as part of what was called the "freedom of expression tour." Rogers wrote on X that she will "highlight American excellence as we launch America250 alongside our closest allies," referring to the celebration of 250 years of US independence.
America has shifted priorities and clients
An American official stated that the program represents a shift from previous State Department projects that channeled funding to specific causes abroad and will likely focus on initiatives based in London, Paris, Berlin, and Brussels.
The Trump administration has sought to drastically reduce US foreign assistance, and funding cuts have significantly impacted programs supporting good governance, human rights, and democracy.
Rogers' efforts come as the White House has criticized long-standing allies in Europe, including Romania.
The US national security strategy, published last year, mentions the need to "cultivate resistance" to Europe's current trajectory. The document warns that mass migration and "censorship of freedom of expression" could lead to the "erasure of civilization" on the continent.
The Trump administration has repeatedly criticized European regulations, such as the UK Online Safety Bill and the EU Digital Services Act, portraying them as threats to American technology companies and freedom of expression.
Polls suggest that Trump remains deeply unpopular in Europe. Only about 16% of the British public view Trump favorably, while over 80% have an unfavorable opinion, according to YouGov.