From urban degradation to propaganda Maga: the metamorphosis of Welcome to Favelas and the shadows on funds from the US government

A popular Instagram page once focused on urban decay has transformed into a platform promoting far-right narratives aligned with U.S. President Donald Trump’s political agenda. Welcome to Favelas, which initially documented urban decline, shifted its focus dramatically after meeting with an envoy from Elon Musk shortly after Trump's return to the White House in January 2025. The page now features content defending Musk, highlighting figures such as Peter Thiel, and promoting companies linked to conservative ideologies. This transformation has raised concerns among European politicians, particularly after the page announced participation in a $3 million U.S. State Department-funded project aimed at strengthening democratic resilience in Europe. The shift in Welcome to Favelas' editorial direction began in early 2025, just months after Trump was re-elected. Three days following his Inauguration Day, the page announced a meeting with an envoy representing Elon Musk. From this point onward, the content posted on the page took a sharp turn toward supporting Trumpist ideology. Posts defending Musk and promoting companies such as Palantir, known for its data analysis and security services, became common. Additionally, advertisements for Polymarket, a betting platform with ties to Donald Trump Jr., were featured prominently. These changes marked a clear departure from the page's original mission of documenting urban decay. The most concerning revelation came on July 27, when the page announced its involvement in a U.S. State Department initiative titled "Developing Civilizational Bonds, Democratic Resilience and Rule of Law in Europe." The program offers up to $3 million in funding. This announcement sparked alarm among European leaders, prompting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to warn about potential U.S. interference in European politics. The involvement of Welcome to Favelas in this project has intensified scrutiny over the origins and financial backing behind the page. The founder of Welcome to Favelas, Massimiliano Zossolo, originally conceived the idea while under house arrest following his arrest in 2011 during violent protests in Rome. In 2014, Zossolo registered the trademark with two other partners. However, control of the brand transitioned in 2016 to Marin Cankja, a mysterious individual based in Fucecchio, near Florence. Despite these changes, there is no identifiable media company associated with Welcome to Favelas, nor are there available financial statements or balance sheets. The website's VAT number links to an external office that merely created the platform. When questioned recently by the television show Report, Zossolo claimed he earns only a minimal income from sponsorships, stating that business activity in 2025 was nearly nonexistent. Surrounding the Welcome to Favelas brand are several affiliated pages, including Cronaca Italiana, Trash News, Milano Bella da Dio, and Emergenza Baby Gang. These pages primarily cover topics related to security and immigration. Their presence suggests a broader network operating under the umbrella of the main page, further complicating efforts to trace the exact nature of their influence and funding sources. The transformation of Welcome to Favelas from a platform documenting urban issues to one promoting far-right narratives has drawn attention from both supporters and critics. While some view the page as a legitimate voice expressing political views, others see it as a tool for spreading misinformation and influencing public opinion through carefully curated content. As the page continues to gain traction, questions remain about the extent of its reach and the implications of its association with U.S. government initiatives.