They whine when it happens to them (or even embrace it when it’s Russia), but doing it to others is fine and even “their right”.

Washington’s influence in Europe has shaped political life for nearly a century, and the Trump administration continues that legacy — though not always in familiar ways. While past US governments framed their involvement as support for democracy, that mission now appears less clear, especially since Donald Trump returned to office in January last year. Trump and his allies have openly backed right‑wing candidates across Europe. DW’s Ben Fajzullin speaks with Majda Ruge from the European Council on Foreign Relations about whether this new five‑million‑dollar initiative could reshape European democracy — and who stands to benefit.