In a recent LinkedIn post, Sofia Patel, the head of operations for the Labour Party, sparked controversy by announcing that nearly 100 current and former Labour staff members are heading to the United States to support Democratic candidates in crucial battleground states such as North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. “I have 10 spots available for anyone who wants to join us in North Carolina – we’ll arrange your housing,” she wrote, prompting reactions from various political circles.

This call for canvassers has drawn attention as it touches on a long-standing practice among British and American politicians of supporting each other’s parties. However, with the U.S. presidential race nearing a close and tensions running high, any suggestion of foreign involvement can shift political narratives significantly.

According to Federal Election Commission regulations, foreign volunteers can participate in U.S. campaigns as long as they’re not compensated for their work. The Trump campaign, however, interpreted Patel’s offer of sponsored housing as a form of remuneration, prompting them to file a complaint with the FEC, alleging “blatant foreign interference.”

“The last time representatives from the British government attempted door-to-door campaigns in America, it did not end well,” stated the Trump campaign’s deputy general counsel, referencing historical events from the American Revolution.

The issue became more complex when the complaint included mentions of senior Labour officials who attended the Democratic National Convention and met with Kamala Harris’ campaign team. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer quickly responded to allegations of meddling, stating, “The Labour Party has had volunteers involved in U.S. elections for nearly every election cycle. They participate in their spare time and are doing so as volunteers.”

Lord Wood of Anfield, a former advisor to Prime Minister Gordon Brown, noted that such volunteer arrangements aren’t unusual, as Labour supporters have long crossed the Atlantic to help their Democratic counterparts, often funding the trips themselves.

Historically, collaboration between British and American politicians has flourished, particularly during the Bill Clinton and Tony Blair era, which saw the rise of shared ideologies in “third way” politics. However, support from British politicians isn’t limited to the left; conservatives have also engaged across the aisle. For example, Labour staff described how members of the Conservative Party supported John McCain’s presidential campaign in 2008.

Several political figures have suggested that the uproar from the Trump campaign is contrived. British Defence Secretary John Healey remarked, “This is standard practice during an election campaign; that’s just how politics operates.”

Past incidents have raised questions about foreign involvement in American campaigns. In 2018, the Bernie Sanders campaign faced sanctions after the FEC found that it had accepted illegal contributions from the Australian Labor Party, which had compensated their volunteers.

While current circumstances show no evidence of similar violations, the political debate continues, with figures like Susie Wiles from the Trump campaign accusing the Harris-Walz campaign of seeking foreign influence due to its struggle to connect with American voters. “President Trump will restore strength to the White House and prioritize the American people,” she asserted.