Washington, D.C. — The Trump administration plans to spend $4 million supporting right-wing and conservative media initiatives in Europe as part of a broader package of at least $25 million for civil society groups in the region, Reuters reported.
The State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor notified Congress of the planned funding Aug. 21, according to four people familiar with the proposal. The department says the programs are intended to strengthen transatlantic ties and promote free speech.
About $3 million would support efforts to document what the administration describes as democratic backsliding involving migration, independent media and policies imposed by supranational institutions. Another $1 million would help establish a consortium of independent journalists covering national sovereignty, natural rights and religious freedom.
Reuters could not determine which organizations or journalists would receive the grants.
The proposed spending comes as the administration increasingly aligns itself with populist and right-wing political movements in Europe, prompting accusations of political interference from some European governments. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has warned that France and other European countries would not tolerate foreign involvement in their elections.
The State Department said the program does not finance political parties and described the initiative as part of its broader commitment to democracy and human rights.
The European grants are part of a nearly $180 million international funding proposal expected to be finalized by the end of September.
Sources
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