US to Fund MAGA-Aligned Groups in Europe, FT Reports

Sarah Rogers

The US State Department is preparing to fund right-wing think tanks and charities across Europe aligned with the MAGA movement, aiming to promote Washington’s policy priorities and counter what it sees as growing threats to free speech, according to reporting by the Financial Times.

Sources told the FT that Sarah Rogers, the US Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy, traveled to Europe in December to meet with influential conservative organizations. During her trip, she reportedly discussed the creation of a new funding initiative with figures linked to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party.

The program is expected to be tied to events marking the 250th anniversary of US independence in 2026 and would support projects in major European cities including London, Paris, Berlin, and Brussels. US officials described the effort as an extension of previous State Department programs used to advance specific foreign policy goals.

The move comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to cut traditional foreign aid, particularly funding related to human rights, democracy promotion, and governance. At the same time, the White House has increased criticism of European allies, arguing that migration and online content regulation threaten freedom of expression and Western values.

US officials have specifically targeted the UK’s Online Safety Act and the EU’s Digital Services Act. While European governments say these laws are designed to protect users—especially children—from harmful online content, Washington views them as restrictive measures that could harm free speech and US technology companies.

Reform UK figures confirmed discussions with Rogers but expressed caution about being seen as too closely aligned with MAGA initiatives, noting that former President Donald Trump remains unpopular with the British public.

The State Department has denied claims that the program is a “slush fund,” saying all grants will be transparent and legally accounted for. Officials argue the funding is a legitimate tool to advance US interests and promote American values abroad.

Key Takeaways

• The US plans to fund MAGA-aligned groups in Europe.

• The focus includes opposing EU and UK online safety laws.

• UK political figures are cautious due to Trump’s low popularity.

US State Department to fund MAGA-aligned organizations across Europe - Harici