US Plans Grants for MAGA-Aligned Political Groups in Europe and Beyond

The United States government is preparing to distribute grants to political groups in Europe and around the world that are aligned with the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement associated with President Donald Trump. The funding initiative reflects a broader strategy by the Trump administration to build international support for its political agenda by backing like-minded nationalist and populist movements abroad. The move comes as Washington frequently accuses the European Union of suppressing free speech, citing EU regulations on digital platforms and media as examples of censorship — a charge the EU denies, arguing its rules are designed to combat disinformation and protect democratic institutions. The grant program signals a significant shift in American foreign soft-power strategy, traditionally focused on promoting liberal democratic norms, toward actively supporting ideologically aligned political forces overseas.