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U.S. Defunds International Media Outlets, Drawing Legal Challenges and Global Criticism

The Trump administration's funding cuts for Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Free Asia halt operations and provoke backlash over press freedom and U.S. global influence.

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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.
A view of the Voice of America (VOA) building, a day after more than 1,300 of the employees of the media broadcaster, which operates in almost 50 languages, were placed on leave in Washington, D.C., U.S. March 16, 2025. REUTERS/Annabelle Gordon/File Photo

Overview

  • President Trump signed an executive order eliminating funding for U.S.-backed international media outlets, citing federal bureaucracy reduction and alleged bias.
  • Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Radio Free Asia have ceased most operations, with thousands of staff placed on leave or furloughed.
  • Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Agency for Global Media, arguing the funding cuts violate federal appropriations laws.
  • Critics warn the move undermines U.S. soft power and global press freedom, as authoritarian regimes like China and Russia celebrate the closures.
  • European nations are exploring ways to replace U.S. funding for the outlets, but legal and logistical challenges complicate potential solutions.