President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), the U.S. government-funded news organization. The president accused the broadcaster of being “anti-Trump” and “radical.” The White House argued that taxpayers should no longer fund what it called “radical propaganda.”
VOA, which originally launched during World War II to counter Nazi and Japanese propaganda, now reaches hundreds of millions of people across the globe each week.
Thousands of Journalists on Paid Leave
Following the executive order, nearly all of VOA’s 1,300 employees were placed on paid leave. VOA Director Mike Abramowitz expressed concern, stating that the decision would prevent the organization from fulfilling its mission of combating misinformation from countries like China, Russia, and Iran.
The National Press Club swiftly condemned the move, arguing that it undermines America’s long-standing commitment to a free press. The organization raised alarm, questioning what this decision meant for the future of press freedom.
“If an entire newsroom can be sidelined overnight, what does that say about press freedom?” the National Press Club asked. “This isn’t just about staffing; it threatens the independence of journalism at VOA.”
Impact on U.S. Global Media Services
Trump’s order also affects VOA’s parent agency, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). The directive calls for a reduction in the agency’s operations to the “minimum presence and function required by law.”
Crystal Thomas, USAGM’s human resources director, sent an email to VOA staff informing them of the changes. The communication confirmed that all freelance workers and international contractors would no longer be paid.
In addition, federal grants for Radio Free Asia and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which together with VOA serve over 400 million listeners, were also canceled.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský expressed concern about the closure of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s operations in Prague, urging the European Union to intervene and ensure its continued function. He plans to raise the issue with European foreign ministers in an upcoming meeting.
Elon Musk Supports the Shutdown
Billionaire and Trump adviser Elon Musk, who is overseeing significant government budget cuts, has voiced his support for closing VOA. Musk criticized the broadcaster on social media, further adding to the controversy surrounding the order.
Trump’s decision also comes amid deep cuts to other federal agencies, including those focused on social issues such as homelessness, and cultural institutions like museums and libraries.
VOA’s History and Editorial Independence
Voice of America was founded in 1942 to counteract the propaganda of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. Over the years, VOA has grown to become a major global broadcaster, reaching audiences in multiple languages.
In 1976, President Gerald Ford signed VOA’s public charter, ensuring its editorial independence. Under the law, VOA was given the mandate to remain free from government influence in its reporting. In 1994, the oversight of non-military broadcasting was transferred to the Broadcast Board of Governors, and in 2013, a law was passed allowing VOA to conduct domestic broadcasts within the United States.
Ongoing Concerns Over Media Freedom
The shutdown order has raised widespread concerns about the future of independent journalism, especially in the context of international broadcasting. Critics argue that it sets a dangerous precedent for media freedom not only in the United States but around the world.
As this story continues to unfold, many are questioning the broader implications for government-backed media organizations and their role in global diplomacy, as well as the future of free expression in the U.S.
