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4w ago

State Department Closes Controversial Disinformation Office

The closure of R/FIMI, formerly the Global Engagement Center, ends allegations of domestic censorship but raises concerns about countering foreign propaganda.

FILE - The Harry S. Truman Building, headquarters for the State Department, is seen in Washington, March 9, 2009. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
State Department building with sign in the foreground
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the media during a refueling stop at Shannon Airport in Shannon, Ireland, March 12, 2025, as he travels from talks with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia to attending a G7 Foreign Ministers meeting in Canada. SAUL LOEB/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
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Overview

  • The State Department has permanently shut down its Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference hub (R/FIMI), eliminating all staff positions.
  • Originally established in 2011 to counter terrorist propaganda, the office later shifted focus to combating domestic misinformation, sparking accusations of censorship against conservatives.
  • Critics allege the agency used taxpayer funds to support third-party organizations like Global Disinformation Index and NewsGuard, which labeled certain news outlets as high-risk.
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision as a step to protect free speech, citing the agency's alleged role in silencing American voices.
  • The closure leaves the U.S. without a dedicated unit to counter foreign disinformation campaigns from adversaries such as Russia, China, and Iran.