Trump administration redirects $175 million from State Department human rights fund
The Trump administration has pulled over $175 million from the State Department's Human Rights and Democracy Fund, sending much of it to projects like anti-communism campaigns, support for white Afrikaner rights in South Africa, and efforts targeting Brazil's Supreme Court.
The move is part of a push to promote "western civilizational norms" in Europe, marking a big change from the usual US focus on global human rights.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen decries far-right funding
Lawmakers are concerned this shift could hurt US reputation and relationships abroad.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen called it "The Trump administration's proposals would use taxpayer funds to promote far-right organizations and programs in established democracies. This is a waste of resources and undermines United States values and relations with democratic partners, including allies in Europe."
Most of the money now goes to groups like the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, linked to former Trump White House domestic policy adviser Andrew Bremberg, with other funds backing projects against gender ideology and migration.
The change has sparked debate about what US foreign aid should really stand for.