Jacob Rees-Mogg: UK Conservative Tied to Trump-Funded MAGA Projects in Europe

The Trump administration's State Department intends to allocate $12 million to organizations in the United Kingdom founded by prominent Conservatives Jacob Rees-Mogg and Toby Young, according to US government documents reviewed by the Guardian. The intended grants are part of a broader package supporting European groups viewed favorably by the Trump administration, and have drawn criticism from former US officials who describe the funding as a misuse of public money to influence foreign politics.

The documents reveal that $7 million of the total is earmarked for 878, a think tank co-founded by Rees-Mogg and his former special adviser Dr. Radomir Tylecote. The group describes itself as a “leading British and American think tank” devoted to “the rediscovery of our ancient culture” and “ending mass immigration.” The funding justification cites 878's “unique role in the United Kingdom as … a dedicated nonpartisan organisation focused on advancing fundamental freedoms.”

Tylecote, who has appeared on former Prime Minister Liz Truss's YouTube show, claimed during that appearance that the UK is “not a functioning democracy at this point … it's a worse system than in the United States.” The think tank's stated mission also includes fighting for “Judeo-Christian civilisation,” according to reporting from thenewworld.co.uk.

The grants come as the Trump administration reorders US aid priorities, with a focus on supporting Maga-aligned projects across Europe. The first CPAC GB conference, where Rees-Mogg and Young both spoke, was described by attendees as “chaotic, confused and sparsely attended” but also “a harbinger of danger to come.”

Critics argue the funding represents a direct attempt by the US government to shape European politics. Former US officials have publicly stated that using public money in this way crosses a line, particularly when directed at organizations that openly question the legitimacy of democratic institutions in allied nations.

The development also highlights the growing intersection between US conservative movements and European right-wing groups. Rees-Mogg, a former minister of state for Brexit opportunities, and Young, a well-known commentator and founder of the Free Speech Union, have both been active in building transatlantic ties through platforms like CPAC GB.

This government funding controversy highlights tensions in UK-US relations, as the $12 million figure, while modest in the context of overall US foreign aid, represents a targeted investment in organizations that align with the Trump administration's ideological priorities. It remains unclear whether the grants will be disbursed as intended, given the controversy surrounding them.

As the Trump administration continues to reorder US aid, the implications for European politics are significant. The funding of groups like 878 and Young's organizations could embolden similar movements across the continent, potentially reshaping the political landscape in ways that extend far beyond the UK.