Trump Administration Cuts U.S.-Funded Broadcasters, Triggering Lawsuits and Global Concerns

The funding cuts have led to operational shutdowns, legal challenges, and fears over press freedom and U.S. influence abroad.

President Trump signed an executive order on March 14, 2025, cutting funding to U.S.-funded international broadcasters like Voice of America and Radio Free Asia.
Over 1,300 Voice of America employees were placed on administrative leave, and several broadcasters have ceased operations or significantly scaled back.
Affected organizations, including Radio Free Asia and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, have filed lawsuits claiming the cuts violate congressional intent and press freedom protections.
Foreign journalists on U.S. work visas face potential deportation, raising concerns for their safety if returned to authoritarian countries.
Authoritarian regimes like China and Russia have celebrated the shutdowns, viewing them as a weakening of U.S. soft power and global influence.