Deep Read: How the Trump administration wants to change Europe from within
In addition to the trade war, the US President is opening a second front: With millions of dollars for right-conservative organizations and media, he is trying to influence European politics.
US Under Secretary of State Sarah Rogers has criticised Germany at the Munich Security Conference, citing concerns over free speech and what she sees as overreach by the German government. She referenced a case known as "Pimmelgate", where a man was investigated for a tweet deemed insulting to a Hamburg politician. The US government, under President Donald Trump, plans to spend $4 million to support right-wing media in Europe.
Additionally, a further $5 million program is being considered to fund a network called the "Freedom Alliance of the West", set up by German activist Naomi Seibt. The US aims to spend $25 million this year on groups promoting conservative causes.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
