[International] Trump Plans to Fund European Right-Wing Media; Some Countries Accuse Interference
RtiTalk 小編3d agoEdited
The Trump administration plans to allocate $4 million to strengthen European right-wing media, as part of a larger initiative to fund European conservative groups totaling at least $25 million. Some European countries have expressed dissatisfaction, accusing the United States of political interference.
According to Reuters, the Trump administration's public support for European populist and far-right parties comes at a time when several countries are heading into elections. The State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) stated that the funding aims to strengthen transatlantic relations and promote freedom of expression.
Sources revealed that the State Department notified Congress of its intent to disburse funds on August 21st, although this allocation could deepen tensions between the Trump administration and European nations.
$3 million of this funding will be used to "document and analyze democratic backsliding in Europe related to mass illegal immigration, independent media ecosystems, and the legislative agendas of supranational entities."
Sources added that another $1 million aims to build an alliance of independent journalists to cover issues such as national sovereignty, natural rights, and religious freedom in Europe.
A State Department spokesperson stated that the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor does not fund any political parties and that the Trump administration remains committed to defending democracy and human rights globally.
The Trump administration has significantly deviated from traditional U.S. approaches to promoting democracy and human rights, shifting its focus to economic and trade issues. It has also been vocal on specific issues, particularly those related to right-wing politicians and the perceived suppression of conservative voices online.
The State Department has publicly announced approximately $10 million in funding through three notice of funding opportunities issued in July and August. The August 21st notice is part of another allocation of at least $15 million, bringing the total funding for Europe-related work to at least $25 million.
This funding has already drawn strong backlash from some European countries. French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot posted on X: "France and Europeans will not tolerate any attempt by any foreign power, whoever it may be, to interfere in their electoral process."
This allocation is part of a larger State Department proposal of nearly $180 million, which includes various initiatives such as documenting "atrocities" against minority communities in South Africa and supporting civil society in combating "judicial overreach and censorship" in Brazil.
The funding also includes several traditional democracy promotion efforts, focusing on oppressive governments such as those in China and North Korea.
Three sources familiar with the matter stated that the funding is expected to be finalized by the end of September. (Editor: Hsu Chia-yuan)
Source link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=229422
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