Trump Cuts Funding to US-Funded International Broadcasters, Halting Operations

The cuts impact Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, and others, raising concerns about US influence and global press freedom.

President Trump signed an executive order reducing funding for the US Agency for Global Media, which oversees Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, and other broadcasters.
Nearly 1,300 Voice of America employees have been placed on administrative leave, with operations largely suspended.
These broadcasters have historically countered authoritarian propaganda and provided uncensored news to over 427 million people globally.
Critics, including media and press freedom advocates, warn the cuts will weaken US soft power and hinder efforts to counter disinformation from countries like China and Russia.
The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, has been instrumental in recommending federal agency downsizing, though Musk has publicly mocked the affected media networks.