Trump Cuts Funding to Voice of America and Invokes Alien Enemies Act for Mass Deportations
The U.S. president's actions include halting operations of government-funded media and targeting Venezuelan gang members for expedited deportation under a rarely used 18th-century law.
- More than 1,300 employees of Voice of America and other U.S.-funded international broadcasters were furloughed after Trump ordered budget cuts to their parent agency, USAGM.
- The White House justified the cuts by accusing the broadcasters of left-wing bias and described the move as eliminating taxpayer-funded 'radical propaganda.'
- Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to enable the expedited deportation of Venezuelan gang members from the Tren de Aragua, whom he labeled as a national security threat.
- Critics, including civil rights groups, have condemned the use of the Alien Enemies Act, citing its historical application in wartime and potential constitutional challenges.
- The administration's actions have sparked concerns about press freedom, with media leaders warning that silencing outlets like Voice of America weakens U.S. influence abroad.
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