German chancellor warns US against election interference after State Department unveils grants for European groups

Friedrich Merz warned the Trump administration against meddling in German elections after the US State Department announced a grants program offering up to $3m for European charities and individuals.

• The US State Department announced grants of up to $3m for European charities, thinktanks, and individuals addressing national sovereignty, migration, censorship, and lawfare.
• Merz said Germany does not interfere in American elections and expects the same from the US government and its affiliated institutions.
• Merz highlighted that financing political parties from abroad is illegal in Germany.