Washington’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announced that French organisations will be barred from its new grant program that funds groups advancing the Trump administration’s priorities across Europe. The decision, confirmed by two sources, reflects heightened sensitivity in Paris ahead of the French presidential election scheduled for April‑May 2027.
Grant details and intended focus
The DRL program, launched in July, offers between $1 million and $3 million to entities that work to “strengthen democratic resilience, rule of law, freedom of speech and the press, and the defense of human rights in Europe.” Eligible projects may also address “national sovereignty, migration, censorship, and law‑fare challenges.” The funding is part of President Trump’s broader effort to back like‑minded organisations abroad.
Why France is excluded
According to the sources, U.S. officials worry that financing French groups could clash with a pending French law that would increase penalties for online disinformation and foreign interference. French Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot publicly warned on X that France and Europe will not tolerate any foreign meddling in their electoral processes.
A French applicant, who asked to remain anonymous, said they had sought $1 million for anti‑censorship and free‑speech work but were told the exclusion was due to the interference concerns. The applicant is considering relocating to Brussels to qualify for future funding.
Broader diplomatic context
While senior MAGA‑aligned officials in the State Department have pushed for a tougher line on France over issues such as speech freedom and tech regulation, other U.S. officials have cautioned against actions that could damage the $107.9 billion in American investment in France and the $160.9 billion in bilateral trade recorded in 2024.
Relations between the two nations remain strained over tariffs, the ongoing conflict in Iran, and disputes about European sovereignty. The United States has yet to appoint a new ambassador to France after French criticism of U.S. human‑rights policies. Additionally, U.S. Ambassador to Paris Charles Kushner, whose son Jared is married to Ivanka Trump, has faced criticism for not responding to summonses in Paris.
Implications for European partners
The exclusion of French groups underscores the delicate balance Washington seeks between supporting its ideological allies and preserving vital economic ties. European far‑right parties, including France’s National Rally led by Marine Le Pen, have expressed interest in U.S. backing, but the administration appears cautious about overt involvement that could be framed as election interference.
DRL’s August deadline for grant applications has passed, but the program remains open for future rounds. U.S. officials indicated they may revisit eligibility criteria once the French legislative process on the disinformation law concludes.
State Department response
A State Department spokesperson declined to comment on whether French groups are permanently excluded, stating that “programs are still in active deliberation” and that they do not comment on private diplomatic discussions.
France’s foreign ministry also did not respond to requests for comment.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
