News summary produced by Claude AI
The Trump administration intends to distribute $12 million in grants to organizations in the United Kingdom founded by prominent Conservative figures, according to US government documents reviewed by the Guardian. The allocations represent part of a broader package of support for European groups aligned with the Trump administration’s priorities.
The grants include $7 million for 878, described in state department documents as a British and American think tank focused on “the rediscovery of our ancient culture” and “ending mass immigration.” The organization lists Jacob Rees-Mogg, former minister of state for Brexit opportunities, and Dr Radomir Tylecote as founding directors. According to the state department’s justification, the funding supports 878’s role as “a dedicated nonpartisan organisation focused on advancing fundamental freedoms.” The group was incorporated in the UK in March of this year, with its website launching in early July. Additionally, $5 million has been allocated to Free Speech Union International, an offshoot of the Free Speech Union founded by Conservative life peer Toby Young, to support work “promoting free speech and countering digital overregulation across the UK, Europe, and Australia.” A third grant of $3 million targets the Jobs Foundation, a UK charity led by Matthew Elliott, former chief executive of the pro-Brexit Vote Leave campaign.
Former US officials have raised concerns about the grants’ administration. Critics argue that the absence of competitive bidding processes for these “sole source” awards represents a departure from standard state department procedures and constitutes misuse of public funds to influence foreign politics. One former official characterized the lack of procedural oversight as “outrageous and absurd,” noting that sole source awards typically require significant legal justification and are reserved for entities with unique capabilities. Several former state department veterans suggested in interviews that Trump-aligned individuals within the department have undertaken a months-long effort to redirect taxpayer money toward conservative and MAGA-aligned causes in the UK and Europe.
A state department spokesperson stated that the grants would “continue to undergo the Department’s standard and rigorous vetting process by grant professionals” and remain under “active deliberation.” The spokesperson added that foreign assistance programming is “aligned to support our strategic priorities.” Toby Young indicated that Free Speech Union International had expressed interest in applying for state department funding but stated that no formal application had been submitted and no grant had been awarded. The Jobs Foundation spokesperson described the organization as a “cross-party charity” and said it looks forward to collaborating with incoming UK prime minister Andy Burnham.