Trump Administration Dismantles USAGM, Halting Global Broadcasters

The closure of Voice of America and other outlets disrupts press freedom, endangers journalists, and weakens U.S. influence in authoritarian regions.

Donald Trump issued an executive order dismantling the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), halting operations of broadcasters like Voice of America and Radio Free Asia.
The closure has endangered foreign journalists, with some facing deportation to authoritarian countries where they risk imprisonment or worse.
The move has been celebrated by authoritarian regimes, including Russia and China, as a blow to U.S. soft power and press freedom globally.
Funding cuts to USAGM and related aid programs have caused disruptions in pro-democracy media, particularly in Africa, leading to job losses and uncertainty for donor-funded organizations.
Legal challenges have been filed by federal workers and journalists seeking to reverse the decision, but its impact on global information flows remains severe.