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Trump Orders Funding Cuts to U.S. International Broadcasters, Halting Operations

Hundreds of employees from Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, and other outlets were furloughed following a presidential decree targeting the USAGM.

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Zentrale von Voice of America: Die Sendungen richten sich vor allem an Menschen in Ländern ohne Pressefreiheit
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Overview

  • President Donald Trump signed a decree on Friday mandating severe budget cuts to the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees international broadcasters like Voice of America and Radio Free Asia.
  • Hundreds of employees were furloughed, with staff instructed to surrender work equipment and denied access to their offices over the weekend.
  • The move has drawn criticism from media leaders, including Voice of America's director, who warned the decision undermines their mission to deliver independent news to countries without press freedom.
  • Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's chief described the cuts as a strategic advantage for authoritarian regimes in countries like China, Russia, and Iran, where these broadcasters play a critical role.
  • The Trump administration justified the decision as a measure to eliminate taxpayer funding for what it called 'radical propaganda,' continuing the president's broader push to reduce federal agency budgets.