Trump Administration Cuts Funding for Voice of America and Other Media Outlets
In a controversial move, U.S. President Donald Trump cut funding to Voice of America (VOA) and other U.S.-funded media services, claiming they had turned against American interests.
Trump accused VOA of broadcasting content that favored foreign adversaries instead of promoting U.S. values. He argued that the agency, funded by American taxpayers, was amplifying narratives that aligned with rival nations like China.
The cuts impacted key outlets under the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks. These organizations have long played a crucial role in delivering independent journalism to audiences in regions where press freedom is restricted.
The move followed Trump’s appointment of Michael Pack as USAGM’s head, who quickly initiated leadership changes and faced accusations of politicizing the agency. Critics saw the funding cuts as part of a broader effort to tighten control over the agency’s content and silence critical voices.
Lawmakers from both parties condemned the decision, warning that reducing support for these media platforms could weaken U.S. influence abroad and hinder efforts to combat disinformation from authoritarian regimes.
The funding cuts also raised concerns about the future of journalists working in these organizations, many of whom operate in challenging and hostile environments to deliver credible news.
