The US embassy in London has announced grant funding of up to half a million dollars for new public education initiatives, sparking controversy over potential interference in British political affairs. The funding notice describes the program as “Liberty Under Law: The Shared Anglo-American Tradition” and aims to support civic engagement projects that promote principles including freedom of speech, due process, limited government, and rule of law. The initiative is linked to commemorating the 70th anniversary of the American Bar Association’s Magna Carta memorial unveiling at Runnymede.
Critics have raised concerns about the scope and framing of the grants. Liberal Democrat MP Lisa Smart characterized the funding as “Trump’s Maga money meddling in our democracy,” arguing that the principles invoked contradict statements made by the Trump administration. She further stated that Britain has its own established traditions of liberty and does not require external funding to support them.
The embassy stated that the initiative seeks to strengthen US-UK relations and deepen public understanding of constitutional principles and democratic norms shared by both nations. A spokesperson noted that the funding guidelines specify it should not support partisan political activity or lobbying. The embassy also defended its approach by noting that it has discontinued certain Biden-era public diplomacy initiatives it characterized as promoting “divisive ideological projects.”
Concern extends to current and former US State Department officials, who expressed unease about the language and targeting of the grants. One serving official told media outlets that while supporting public diplomacy showcasing the US-UK relationship is routine, specifically funding initiatives aligned with “America First” principles represents an unusual departure. The same official accused the government of attempting to “create UK-originated narratives to support Maga propaganda.”
Separately, documents leaked to media revealed plans for additional State Department grants totaling $12 million directed toward organizations founded by prominent British Conservatives Jacob Rees-Mogg and Toby Young, which critics say further demonstrates patterns of US support for allied political movements in Europe aligned with Trump administration positions.
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