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Trump Administration Halts Funding for U.S.-Backed Media Outlets, Prompting Global Fallout

The decision to defund Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Radio Free Asia has led to staff furloughs, legal challenges, and concerns over U.S. influence in authoritarian regions.

Signage for US broadcaster Voice of America is seen in Washington, DC, on March 16, 2025. US President Donald Trump's administration on March 15 put journalists at Voice of America and other US-funded broadcasters on leave, abruptly freezing decades-old outlets long seen as critical to countering Russian and Chinese information offensives. (Photo by BONNIE CASH/AFP via Getty Images)
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A view shows door to the offices of Radio Free Asia, as funding for RFA, which broadcasts in nine Asian languages, was terminated on Saturday, March 15, 2025, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order gutting the government-funded media outlet's parent and six other federal agencies, in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 15, 2025. REUTERS/Staff/File Photo
An executive order President Donald Trump signed March 14, 2025, reduces in size the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees Voice of America. Across all of its networks, the Agency of Global Media provides news in 64 languages to more than 427 million people, according to its website.

Overview

  • Voice of America and its sister outlets have largely ceased operations following President Trump's executive order cutting federal funding, impacting over 1,300 employees at VOA alone.
  • Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia have filed lawsuits, arguing that the funding cuts violate federal law and Congress's appropriations authority.
  • Critics warn the move undermines U.S. soft power and democracy promotion efforts, leaving authoritarian regimes like China and Russia to expand their influence unchecked.
  • European nations, led by Czechia, are exploring ways to replace U.S. funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, though legal and logistical hurdles remain.
  • Chinese and Russian state media have celebrated the closures, describing them as victories against U.S. 'propaganda' while rights advocates highlight the outlets' critical role in exposing human rights abuses and countering disinformation.