The U.S. State Department is preparing to fund nationalist-leaning think tanks and charities in Europe, using grants that aim to promote “American values” and push back against what Washington calls threats to free speech. Reporting says the initiative would channel money to groups in several European capitals as part of events tied to America’s 250th anniversary. European governments have expressed unease, warning of possible interference in domestic politics. The program follows U.S. criticism of European online regulation, including laws affecting major platforms.