President Donald Trump has issued an executive order significantly curtailing funding for the Voice of America (VOA), a US international news organization. The White House statement, titled "The Voice of Radical America," claims the action aims to prevent taxpayer funding of what it deems "radical propaganda."
Over 1,300 VOA journalists are on administrative leave. The order impacts the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and Current Time. VOA director Mike Abramowitz, also placed on leave, stated: “VOA needs thoughtful reform, and we have made progress in that regard. But today’s action will leave Voice of America unable to carry out its vital mission. That mission is especially critical today, when America’s adversaries, like Iran, China, and Russia, are sinking billions of dollars into creating false narratives to discredit the United States.” He further emphasized VOA's role in promoting freedom and democracy, warning that the administration's actions will damage its ability to protect US interests.
Radio Free Asia and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty have also had their federal grants terminated. Simon Spanswick, chief executive of the Association for International Broadcasting, commented: “At a time when the world is looking to the US to be a global player for peace and freedom, cutting funding for US international media – one of the main instruments underpinning this goal – seems the wrong direction to take.”
Trump's criticism of VOA during his first term is well-documented, with support from advisor Elon Musk, who advocated for its closure on X. The White House statement cites right-wing media sources, including a Daily Caller report alleging anti-Trump social media posts by VOA reporters, and a 2022 letter from Rep. Scott Perry criticizing VOA's alleged partisan bias.
President Trump's past attacks on mainstream media, labelling CNN and MSNBC as “corrupt and Illegal,” provide context for this action.