Trump Shuts Down Voice of America, Drawing Global Reactions

The decision to dismantle the U.S.-funded broadcaster silences a key source of independent news for millions in authoritarian regimes.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 15 to dismantle Voice of America (VOA) and its parent agency, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM).
The move has placed over 1,300 employees on administrative leave, halting broadcasts in 63 languages to an estimated weekly audience of 420 million people worldwide.
Critics argue the closure weakens U.S. influence abroad and benefits authoritarian regimes like China, which has celebrated the development as a propaganda victory.
VOA has a long history of promoting democracy and countering authoritarian narratives, dating back to its founding during World War II and its role in the Cold War.
Supporters of VOA emphasize its value in providing unbiased news to oppressed regions, while acknowledging the need for internal reforms rather than dismantlement.