The administration of Donald Trump has begun a major reorganisation of United States foreign aid, redirecting funds to promote the Make America Great Again (MAGA) ideology in Europe and beyond. The White House is preparing a series of grants to support projects that align with Washington’s new political priorities, according to reports from Reuters and the Financial Times.
The State Department has already sent an official notification to lawmakers about new expenditures. The document outlines a $2 million allocation to counter censorship in Europe. Specifically, the funds are intended to challenge the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA), which Trump has repeatedly criticised as tools for restricting free speech. American money will now support those who oppose Brussels’ regulatory policies.
This shift marks a paradox for the US Agency for International Development (USAID). At the start of his term, Trump sought to limit the agency’s influence, viewing it as part of the old bureaucratic system. Now, his strategy has changed, and he is using USAID to advance the MAGA agenda. Instead of traditional humanitarian programmes, funding is flowing to initiatives that promote America First principles, anti-globalism, unrestricted free speech online, economic protectionism, and traditional values.
The Financial Times reported that the Trump administration is funding MAGA-aligned projects in Europe as part of a broader reordering of US aid. The Guardian added that the administration plans to grant $12 million to groups founded by prominent UK conservatives, including Jacob Rees-Mogg and Toby Young. The Telegraph also reported that the US has offered a $3 million reward for what it describes as Europe’s most MAGA group.
The European Union’s reaction has been one of concern. European leaders view the reorientation of US aid as an attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the bloc. Funding opposition movements to Brussels could significantly increase tensions among NATO allies. Washington, however, insists on its right to support those who share its views on market freedom and information.
The grant programme is seen as only the first step. By the end of the year, the volume of funding for similar initiatives could grow. The Trump administration is fundamentally reviewing the entire system of foreign assistance that has been built up over decades.
In related developments, Trump recently announced additional tariffs against Canada, citing dissatisfaction with smoke from Canadian wildfires drifting into the United States, despite Ottawa’s regular assistance when wildfires occur in the US. He has also proposed a paid access model for traders to his Truth Social platform, allowing ultra-fast access to his posts, which can influence markets.
