Trump Shuts Down Voice of America and Sister Networks, Drawing Bipartisan Criticism

The closure of U.S.-funded media organizations ends decades of broadcasting to authoritarian regimes and raises concerns over diminished global influence.

President Trump signed an executive order dismantling the U.S. Agency for Global Media, effectively halting operations at Voice of America (VOA) and other affiliated networks.
The shutdown impacts over 1,300 employees, silencing broadcasts in nearly 50 languages that reached millions in countries with restricted press freedom.
Critics, including bipartisan members of Congress, warn that the closure weakens U.S. soft power and emboldens authoritarian regimes like China and Russia.
The decision follows longstanding accusations of bias within VOA, with the administration citing examples of alleged partisan reporting as justification.
Press freedom advocates and some lawmakers are urging Congress to intervene, with concerns over the legality of the executive order and its broader implications for U.S. global influence.

Columbia Journalism Review