A U.S. grant program aimed at organizations supporting Trump administration priorities in Europe will not fund French groups, citing sensitivities related to allegations of foreign interference ahead of next year’s presidential elections.
According to reports, French officials have already been informed of this decision. The U.S. administration appears concerned that financing MAGA-aligned organizations in France could jeopardize the extensive economic relations between the two nations.
The Trump administration has sought to support far-right parties across Europe, accusing centrist leaders of passively witnessing the “civilizational decline” of the continent and undermining democratic processes.
The Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) Bureau within the U.S. State Department offers between $1 million and $3 million to organizations aiming to “strengthen and build democratic resilience, the rule of law, freedom of expression, and freedom of the press, as well as defend human rights in Europe,” according to the funding guidelines published on July 13.
Eligible groups may also focus on issues regarding “national sovereignty, migration, censorship, and challenges related to the abusive use of legal tools against opponents.”
French Government Reacts Furiously to MAGA Funding Exclusion
France is set to hold presidential elections in the spring, which could potentially bring Marine Le Pen and her National Rally (RN) party to power. Paris is increasingly worried about possible U.S. interference.
The RN is committed to constitutional reforms aimed at intensifying deportations, restricting citizenship grants, and prioritizing access to public services for French nationals.
In July, shortly after the DRL announced the grant funding, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed outrage on social media, stating, “France and Europeans will not tolerate any attempt at foreign interference in their electoral processes, regardless of its origin.”
Confirmation from France
A separate source familiar with the grant applications confirmed to Reuters that the State Department is refusing proposals from organizations in France.
This source indicated that they had requested $1 million for their organization’s work on “anti-censorship initiatives” and “freedom of expression.” They were recently informed that French groups would be excluded due to concerns about foreign interference.
According to the source, who requested anonymity, American officials were particularly worried that U.S.-funded activities could conflict with a French bill aimed at strengthening penalties for online disinformation and foreign interference in democratic processes. This bill, backed by the French government and promoted under emergency provisions, is currently being debated in the Senate in Paris.
Reuters reports that although the grant application deadline set by the State Department is in August, the organization is considering relocating its headquarters, possibly to Brussels, to become eligible for “future funding opportunities.”
A State Department spokesperson declined to comment on whether French groups are currently excluded, stating that “programs are still under active review.”
“We do not comment on private diplomatic discussions,” the spokesperson added.
Tensions Rise in Franco-American Relations
While several senior State Department officials aligned with the MAGA movement have attempted to take a firmer stance against France regarding freedom of expression and tech regulation, sources indicate they have faced opposition from other American officials. The latter are concerned about potential negative repercussions for American companies with significant operations in France.
The United States is France’s largest foreign investor, with $107.9 billion invested in the French economy in 2024. Trade in goods and services between the two countries reached $160.9 billion that year, the latest for which complete data is available.
However, diplomatic relations are at one of the lowest points in recent history.
In addition to ongoing issues regarding tariffs, the war in Iran, and threats to European sovereignty, the Trump administration has yet to credential the new ambassador to France, a move attributed to public criticisms made by Paris regarding the state of human rights in the United States.
French officials have also expressed frustration with Charles Kushner, the U.S. ambassador in Paris, who failed to attend two meetings requested by Paris following diplomatic incidents.
Furthermore, French officials were also irritated when State Department representatives traveled to Paris last year to support Marine Le Pen after a court barred her from holding public office, a ruling that was overturned by an appeals court in July this year.
