Germany's Merz Warns Trump Administration Against Interfering in Upcoming Election

According to The Guardian, the U.S. State Department has announced a funding initiative to support pro-MAGA projects across Europe. Under the program, grants of up to $3 million will be available for charities, think tanks and individuals promoting initiatives aligned with what it describes as shared values of national sovereignty, immigration control, free speech, the rule of law and Western civilization.

 

The initiative has raised concerns in Europe that Washington is seeking to exert direct political influence on the continent.

 

Addressing the issue, Merz said Germany does not interfere in U.S. elections and expects the same in return.

 

"Just as we do not interfere in American elections, I do not want the U.S. government or institutions closely associated with it to interfere in Germany's elections," he said.

 

Several former U.S. State Department officials told The Guardian that the grant program is part of a broader effort to redirect government funding toward supporting right-wing groups and potentially political parties across Europe.

 

The report noted that while the Trump administration has shown interest in providing financial support to political actors in Europe, existing U.S. laws governing foreign assistance could limit or complicate such efforts.

 

Merz also stressed that Germany's legal framework clearly prohibits foreign financing of political parties, underscoring the country's commitment to protecting the integrity of its democratic process.