Funding plans revealed
The Trump administration is planning to spend $4 million to bolster right-wing media in Europe, part of a package of at least $25 million for civil society groups working on conservative causes in the region, according to four people familiar with the funding who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The State Department notified Congress of its intent to allocate these funds on August 21, the sources said. According to the sources, $3 million was earmarked for a program to 'document and analyze democratic backsliding in Europe as it relates to mass and illegal migration, the independent media landscape, and legislative agendas by supranational entities.' Another $1 million aims to create a consortium of independent journalists covering issues including national sovereignty, natural rights, and religious freedom in Europe.
Around $10 million of the funding has already been made public through three State Department notices for applicants in July and August. The August 21 notification is part of an additional at least $15 million, bringing the total grant amount for Europe-related work to a minimum of $25 million.
The Europe grants are part of a bigger funding proposal from the State Department totaling nearly $180 million, which includes numerous grants for traditional democracy promotion focusing on oppressive governments such as China and North Korea.
The funding is expected to be finalized by the end of September, according to three people familiar with the efforts.
Official justifications
The State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) says the funding is meant to strengthen transatlantic ties and promote free speech. A State Department spokesperson said that the DRL does not fund political parties and that the Trump administration remains committed to defending democracy and human rights around the world, including in Europe.
The grants come as European countries prepare for elections over the next couple of years, and as the Trump administration openly backs Europe's populist right-wing and far-right parties.
The funding has been described as part of a broader strategy. The 2025 US National Security Strategy, as quoted by The Gateway Pundit, states: 'American diplomacy should continue to stand up for genuine democracy, freedom of expression, and unapologetic celebrations of European nations' individual character and history. America encourages its political allies in Europe to promote this revival of spirit, and the growing influence of patriotic European parties indeed gives cause for great optimism.' The strategy also says the goal should be 'to help Europe correct its current trajectory.'
It remains unclear which organizations or journalists are likely to receive the grants.
European concerns
The grants risk deepening tensions between the Trump administration and European governments, some of which have already accused Washington of interfering in their domestic politics. The European Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the funding.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot wrote on X in July: 'France and the Europeans will not tolerate any attempt at foreign interference in their electoral processes, regardless of where it comes from.'