US Grant Program Excludes French Groups Ahead of 2027 Election

A U.S. grant program supporting organizations aligned with Trump administration priorities in Europe will reportedly exclude French groups amid concerns about foreign interference ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election.

Two sources said Washington decided against funding French organizations under the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) program. U.S. officials reportedly feared that financing MAGA-aligned groups in France could create political tensions and threaten significant U.S.-France economic ties.

The DRL initiative offers grants ranging from $1 million to $3 million for European organizations working on democratic resilience, rule of law, free speech, press freedom and human rights. Projects addressing national sovereignty, migration, censorship and alleged lawfare may also qualify.

France is preparing for a presidential election next April and May, with Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally potentially positioned for major gains. French officials have increasingly warned against foreign involvement in the electoral process.

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot responded to the U.S. funding initiative in July, saying France and Europe would not tolerate attempts at foreign electoral interference.

One unnamed French applicant said their organization had requested $1 million for anti-censorship and free-speech initiatives but was later told French groups would be excluded. According to the source, U.S. officials were also concerned about a proposed French law that would increase penalties for online disinformation and foreign interference.

The State Department declined to confirm the reported exclusion, saying funding programs remain under active consideration and that it does not discuss private diplomatic conversations.

The decision comes as U.S.-France relations face growing strain over trade tariffs, the Iran war, technology regulation and European sovereignty. Economic considerations remain substantial: U.S. government figures show American investment in France reached $107.9 billion in 2024, while bilateral trade in goods and services totaled $160.9 billion.

Tensions have also emerged over Washington’s criticism of European free-speech policies and U.S. officials’ previous support for Le Pen following a court ruling barring her from office.