In a notable shift in American foreign policy, Sarah B. Rogers, Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy, has emerged as a pivotal figure in the Trump administration’s increasingly overt support for far-right political movements across Europe. Her recent actions and statements reflect a departure from traditional diplomatic norms, signalling a strategic alignment with anti-democratic forces that may reshape transatlantic relations.
A New Approach to European Relations
As tensions between the Trump administration and European liberal democracies intensify, Rogers has taken to social media to champion far-right narratives while openly criticising established policies on hate speech and immigration in countries that have historically been US allies. Since her appointment in October 2025, she has engaged with various European far-right politicians, positioning herself as a key advocate for movements that echo the administration’s populist rhetoric.
Rogers’s controversial characterisations of migrants—including a polarising reference to German migrants as “barbarian rapist hordes”—and her comments linking immigration policy to sexual violence in Sweden have drawn criticism from multiple quarters. She has defended her statements by asserting that they represent the views of specific offenders rather than general populations, a distinction that critics argue undermines the principles of responsible public discourse.
Encouraging Far-Right Alliances
Rogers’s outreach to European far-right parties has been met with both intrigue and alarm. Reports indicate that she has met with representatives from parties such as the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in Germany, seeking to foster relationships that align with her administration’s agenda. During a recent meeting, she was quoted discussing the Trump administration’s national security strategy, indicating a desire for partnerships that could bolster far-right influence across the continent.
In a world where anti-democratic sentiments are on the rise, experts suggest that Rogers’s actions could serve to legitimise these movements. Léonie de Jongea, a professor at the University of Tübingen, opines that the Trump administration’s support for such groups is a calculated move to further its own agenda while providing a veneer of legitimacy to extremist actors.
Challenging Established Norms
Rogers has also been vocal about her opposition to current European regulations aimed at combating hate speech and misinformation. Her stance echoes a broader narrative championed by far-right activists that frames these policies as censorship. By promoting this perspective, she seeks to undermine the credibility of established institutions in Europe while aligning the US with factions that share a disdain for democratic norms.
Her recent social media activity has included critiques of the UK’s response to anti-immigrant protests and discussions around the alleged “rape-gang problem” in Britain, linking these issues to a broader discourse on migration and societal stability. Such discourse echoes sentiments often exploited by far-right groups to galvanise support and justify extreme measures.
Why it Matters
The implications of Rogers’s approach to US foreign policy are profound. By engaging with far-right movements and undermining traditional democratic institutions, the Trump administration risks inflaming divisions within Europe, potentially destabilising established political frameworks. This strategy not only threatens the cohesion of the European Union but may also embolden extremist factions that have long been relegated to the fringes of political discourse. As the global landscape shifts, the US’s alignment with these actors raises critical questions about the future of democracy, free speech, and the values that underpin transatlantic alliances.
