On a recent episode of “The Alex Marlow Show,” Mike Benz, the founder of the Foundation for Freedom Online, expressed his confusion over the Trump administration’s continued funding of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). Benz questioned why this organization is still receiving support, especially when there were early indications that funding might be reduced.
Benz highlighted that while the NED played a significant role during the Cold War, its mission appears to have shifted. He argued that instead of focusing on countering left-wing communism, the organization is now targeting right-wing populism and has even taken steps to censor voices associated with former President Trump.
The discussion took place on the weekday podcast hosted by Alex Marlow, who is also the Editor-in-Chief at Breitbart. The show is produced by Breitbart News in collaboration with the Salem Podcast Network. Listeners can catch the podcast on various platforms, including YouTube, Rumble, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
Benz’s comments reflect a growing concern among some conservatives regarding the direction of the NED and its relevance in today’s political landscape. As debates about free speech and funding for organizations like the NED continue, this conversation sheds light on the complexities within American democracy and the ongoing struggles over its definition and support.