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Trump Administration's Funding Cuts Leave U.S.-Backed Media in Legal and Operational Crisis

RFE/RL and RFA file lawsuits against the Trump administration as operations halt, while European leaders consider alternative funding solutions.

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

  • President Trump signed an executive order on March 14, 2025, terminating federal funding for Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), and Radio Free Asia (RFA).
  • RFE/RL and RFA have filed lawsuits, arguing the funding cuts violate federal law since Congress had appropriated the funds for their operations.
  • The cuts have forced significant furloughs, with RFA reducing its U.S.-based staff from over 300 to about 75, prioritizing employees at risk of persecution.
  • European leaders are exploring ways to sustain RFE/RL’s operations, but legal and logistical challenges complicate the potential for EU funding.
  • Chinese and Russian state media have celebrated the closures, viewing them as victories for their propaganda efforts and setbacks for U.S. global influence.