Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)

FDD is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit think tank funded primarily by wealthy private donors with a strong pro-Israel orientation. It occupies a neoconservative position on U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing hawkish stances toward Iran, China, and Russia while supporting robust U.S. military engagement and Israeli security. During the Trump administration's second term, FDD's policy prescriptions—especially on Iran sanctions and maximum-pressure strategy—have closely aligned with, and reportedly influenced, administration positions.