Disrupted Alliance

Disrupted Alliance: What the rise of the US tech right means for the future of the Transatlantic relationship

Hosted by Heinrich Böll Foundation, Washington, DC and Public Citizen

President Trump, Vice President Vance, Elon Musk, and the other tech leaders now holding power in or with influence over the US government have rejected common goals with Europe on digital policy. They are seeking to coerce Europe to deregulate to allow the spread of hate speech and enable big tech to act as the gatekeepers over digital markets under the threat of tariffs. The US government is no longer actively participating in global efforts to promote democracy and tech freedom and DOGE, under Musk’s leadership, has sought to cut staff working in support of common international goals, like tech freedom. The pressure is felt acutely in Germany where Musk endorsed the far-right AfD party in the most recent election. The EU is charting a new path as digital policy has become more intertwined with issues of trade, democracy, and security. 

This event looks to explore the origins of the US tech right and forecast what the policy changes and global influence will mean for the future of digital policy and transatlantic cooperation. We will begin with background on the major players and their motivations and then look to the future for tech, democracy, trade, and the transatlantic relationship.

Join us online on Tuesday, April 1 from 9 - 10 am EDT for a conversation with  

• Rishab Bailey, Public Citizen
• Rebecca Williams, ACLU
• Jan Phillip Albrecht, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung co-president
• Moderator: Drew Mitnick, Heinrich Böll Foundation, Washington, DC
• More speakers to be announced