European Think Tanks Got U.S. Tax Dollars—Did Trump Supporters Approve?

In February 2025, Donald Trump took to Truth

In February 2025, Donald Trump took to Truth Social to declare that corruption had reached unprecedented levels. His target wasn't his own administration but the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). He demanded its immediate closure, and within hours, the agency was effectively dismantled, with most staff placed on indefinite administrative leave.

The shutdown was framed as part of Trump's 'America First' agenda. Critics argued that USAID was squandering taxpayer money on frivolous overseas projects while neglecting domestic needs. A particularly egregious falsehood, echoed by Fox News and others, claimed the agency spent millions on condoms for Gaza—a claim with no evidence.

Yet, a closer look reveals a different story. While USAID was being shuttered for alleged waste, millions of dollars flowed to right-wing European think tanks. These organizations, often linked to global MAGA-style movements, received U.S. taxpayer funds without the same scrutiny or public outrage.

This raises a pressing question: Did the Americans

This raises a pressing question: Did the Americans who voted for Trump, many of whom supported his 'America First' rhetoric, knowingly endorse sending their hard-earned money overseas to bolster ideological allies in Europe? The disconnect between the administration's stated priorities and its actual spending is stark.

For those in struggling communities, the betrayal is profound. While politicians tout fiscal responsibility, they quietly fund think tanks that push a global agenda, often at odds with the interests of ordinary Americans. The question remains: How is this 'America First'?