US Tax Dollars Fund Rightwing European Thinktanks After USAID Shutdown 2026

US tax dollars are now funding rightwing European thinktanks after the closure of USAID, according to a recent Guardian report. The Trump administration's "America first" agenda has led to a dramatic shift in how foreign aid is allocated, with millions going to conservative organizations abroad instead of humanitarian projects.

The USAID Shutdown and Its Aftermath

In February 2025, President Trump posted on Truth Social that "THE CORRUPTION IS AT LEVELS RARELY SEEN BEFORE," referring to USAID. He ordered the agency closed, and within hours, most staff were placed on administrative leave. The administration argued that USAID was wasting taxpayer money on frivolous projects, such as the false claim of spending millions on condoms for Gaza.

However, the closure has not kept taxpayer money at home. Instead, it is being redirected to rightwing thinktanks in Europe, many of which are funded by multimillionaires seeking to globalize Trumpism.

The $12 Million Grant to UK Conservative Groups

The Guardian reported that the US State Department intends to grant $12 million to conservative organizations in the UK. Of that, $7 million is going to a group called 878, co-founded by former Conservative minister Jacob Rees-Mogg, whose net worth is estimated at over £100 million. The group was incorporated in the UK in March and describes itself as a "leading British and American thinktank."

This funding raises serious questions about the subversion of normal processes. A former US official told the Guardian that standard funding procedures are being bypassed to support these organizations.

Comparison: Humanitarian Aid vs. Thinktank Funding

To understand the shift, consider the following table:

Key Takeaways

• USAID was closed under the guise of eliminating corruption, but taxpayer money is still flowing abroad.
• Millions are being directed to rightwing thinktanks in Europe, including a group linked to Jacob Rees-Mogg.
• This funding appears to bypass standard oversight, raising concerns about political influence.
• The shift prioritizes ideological expansion over humanitarian assistance.

Implications for American Taxpayers

Many Americans who voted for Trump may not have anticipated that their tax dollars would support foreign thinktanks. The "America first" promise was to keep money at home, but the reality is that it is being used to influence foreign politics.

This situation highlights a growing concern about the transparency and accountability of government spending. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for citizens to understand where their money is actually going.

FAQ

This investigation reveals a troubling pattern of using taxpayer funds to support political allies abroad, contradicting the "America first" narrative. As more details emerge, it is essential to hold officials accountable and demand transparency.

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