US State Department to fund MAGA-aligned organizations across Europe

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The US State Department is set to provide funding to MAGA-aligned think tanks and charities across Europe to propagate Washington’s policy positions and combat perceived threats to freedom of expression.

According to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to the Financial Times (FT), Sarah Rogers, a senior State Department official, traveled to Europe in December to meet with influential right-wing think tanks. During the visit, she discussed the establishment of a fund to promote American values with key figures from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party.

These sources noted that the funding is tied to the upcoming celebrations of the 250th anniversary of US independence later this year.

A US official stated that the program is a variation of previous State Department projects that channel funds to specific overseas objectives, likely focusing on initiatives based in London, Paris, Berlin, and Brussels.

The Trump administration has consistently sought to significantly reduce US foreign aid, with cuts heavily impacting programs that support traditional good governance, human rights, and democracy.

Rogers’ efforts follow sharp criticism of European allies from the White House. The US national security strategy released last year called for “developing resistance” to the continent’s current trajectory. That document warned that mass migration and the “censorship of free speech” could lead to the “destruction of civilization.”

The Trump administration interprets European efforts to regulate online content—including measures affecting major US social media networks—as a direct assault on free speech.

The US official noted that Rogers, who serves as the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy, maintained extensive contacts within the European “free speech” community prior to joining the government. Many of these individuals are reportedly eager to secure the resources and attention of the Trump administration.

According to the official, Rogers is specifically targeting the UK’s Online Safety Act and the EU’s Digital Services Act. While these laws differ in scope and content, the official stated that the Trump administration views them as “fundamentally anti-American regulatory schemes” designed to attack free speech, American industry, and the independence of the technology sector.

A senior Reform UK figure who discussed the plans with Rogers remarked, “The US administration has launched a crusade to save Europe. They have a real soft spot for the UK, but they believe it is under threat from dark forces spreading across the continent.”

The UK government continues to defend the Online Safety Act as a critical piece of legislation intended to protect children from harmful online content.

Another high-ranking Reform UK member stated they were told Rogers possesses a “State Department slush fund to conduct MAGA-style activities in various places,” adding that her objective was to “fund European organizations to undermine government policies.”

A State Department spokesperson characterized the fund as a “transparent and legal use of resources to advance US interests and values abroad,” asserting that the “slush fund” description is “entirely false.”

“Under Secretary Rogers’ mandate is to support American objectives. We make no apologies for that. Every hibe (grant) is fully disclosed and accounted for,” the official said.

Both Reform UK figures indicated there is a level of caution within the party regarding being too closely associated with any MAGA initiative in the United Kingdom, noting that the Trump administration remains unpopular in Britain. According to a YouGov poll, only 16% of the British public view Trump favorably, while 81% view him negatively.

“There are political dangers for us in being too closely aligned with the US,” one Reform UK source admitted.

Rogers remains one of the most outspoken critics of Europe within the Trump administration. During her recent tour of the region, she made Washington’s displeasure with online safety laws explicitly clear.

In December, she traveled to London, Paris, Rome, and Milan as part of what was described as a “free speech tour.” On X, she referenced the “America250” events, writing that she would “highlight American excellence as we launch America250 with our closest allies.”

During her visit, Rogers addressed an event in London hosted by the right-wing Prosperity Institute, where she described the UK’s Online Safety Act as “draconian and absurd.” She further characterized it as part of a “suite of laws with censorial effects in Britain.”

“It is clear that the average Briton wants to be a free person, to live in a free country… The results achieved by Reform UK prove that the British people are dissatisfied with this regime,” Rogers said, adding that she intends to help the country reclaim its right to free speech.

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