A US government funding programme aimed at organisations working around the Trump administration's priorities in Europe is expected to leave French organisations out of the scheme. Two sources familiar with the matter said the decision is linked to concerns about possible foreign involvement in France's presidential election next year.
According to one source, French officials have already been informed about the decision. The move reflects concerns among US officials that providing financial support to MAGA aligned organisations in France could create complications for the countries' substantial economic relationship.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has shown support for right wing political movements in several European countries. It has also criticised centrist European leaders, accusing them of weakening democratic institutions and contributing to what Washington describes as the erosion of European civilisation.
The State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor runs the grant programme, which provides funding ranging from $1 million to $3 million. The scheme is designed to support organisations working on democratic resilience, the rule of law, freedom of expression, press freedom and human rights across Europe.
Applicants can also work on subjects including national sovereignty, migration, censorship and legal actions involving political issues.
France is preparing for its presidential election next April and May, with Marine Le Pen's National Rally viewed as a potential contender for power. The possibility of a National Rally victory has contributed to growing concerns in France about possible American influence over the election.
The National Rally has proposed constitutional changes that would increase the ability of authorities to deport people, place restrictions on birthright citizenship and give French citizens greater priority in access to public services.
French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot criticised the possibility of foreign involvement in the country's elections in July. His comments came only days after the State Department announced the grant programme. In a post on X, Barrot said France and other European countries would not accept interference in their electoral processes from foreign powers.
A French applicant who requested anonymity said their organisation had applied for $1 million to fund projects focused on freedom of speech and combating censorship. The applicant said they were later told that French organisations would not be included in the programme because of concerns about foreign interference.
The source said American officials were particularly concerned that organisations receiving US funding could come into conflict with proposed French legislation targeting online disinformation and foreign interference in democratic institutions. The government supported legislation, which was moved through the process quickly, is currently being considered by the French Senate.
The application deadline for the programme ended in August. However, the applicant said the organisation could consider moving its operations to another European city, including Brussels, in an effort to qualify for future funding.
The US State Department did not directly confirm whether French organisations had been removed from eligibility. A spokesperson said the funding programmes were still being reviewed and that the department does not discuss confidential diplomatic matters.
France's foreign ministry did not issue a response.
STRAINED FRANCO AMERICAN RELATIONS
The disagreement over the grant programme comes as relations between France and the United States remain tense. Several senior officials associated with the MAGA movement within the State Department have reportedly pushed for a firmer approach toward France on issues such as free speech and technology regulation.
However, some other US officials have reportedly raised concerns about the possible impact on American companies that have major business interests in France.
US government figures show that the United States invested approximately $107.9 billion in France during 2024, making it the country's largest foreign investor. Trade in goods and services between the two nations reached about $160.9 billion during the same year.
Despite the strength of their economic relationship, diplomatic ties have faced several difficulties. Disputes over tariffs, the conflict involving Iran and concerns about European sovereignty have added to existing tensions.
Washington has also not yet accredited France's next ambassador to the United States. The situation follows public criticism from French officials regarding America's human rights record.
French officials have also expressed frustration with US Ambassador to Paris Charles Kushner. He has reportedly failed on two occasions to respond to official summonses in Paris following diplomatic disputes.
Another source of tension came after officials from the State Department's democracy bureau travelled to Paris last year and offered support to Marine Le Pen. This followed a court decision preventing her from holding public office in proceedings connected to accusations of political lawfare against conservative figures.