Trump’s Order to Limit Voice of America Draws Widespread Criticism

Mon Mar 17 2025 14:39:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)
Trump’s Order to Limit Voice of America Draws Widespread Criticism

US President’s directive to cut Voice of America funding raises concerns over press freedom.


Donald Trump's recent order to limit the operations of Voice of America (VOA) has sparked significant backlash from journalism advocates and international supporters, as the iconic news organization faces drastic changes.

Trump's administration has leveled accusations against VOA, alleging it engages in anti-Trump rhetoric and disseminates radical propaganda. In a bold move signed by the President, the order asserts that taxpayer dollars should not finance what it deems “radical propaganda.” Historically, VOA has been a critical tool in US communications, established in 1942 to combat the influence of Nazi and Japanese propaganda during World War II, and currently broadcasting to millions globally on a weekly basis.

In response to the directive, Mike Abramowitz, the director of VOA, informed that he and nearly all of the organization’s 1,300 employees have been placed on paid leave, an action he claims sidelines VOA’s essential mission. He emphasized the significant threat posed by adversaries like China and Russia, who are investing heavily in misinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting the US.

The National Press Club, acting as a representative body for US journalists, condemned the move, arguing it undermines America's commitment to press freedom and lamenting that such a dramatic decision could potentially dismantle an entire organization dedicated to independent journalism.

The order not only impacts VOA but also includes provisions for its parent organization, the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which funds critical outlets such as Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia. The directive mandates USAGM to limit its performance and output to the barest legal requirements, raising further alarm regarding the future of independent news operations funded by the government.

Reports indicate that employees at VOA were informed about the situation through an email from USAGM’s human resources director, with news that financial resources for freelance workers and international contracts were being withdrawn. Additionally, funding for other media organizations under USAGM has also been abruptly cut.

The Czech Foreign Minister has voiced hopes that the European Union might take steps to support the future of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty amidst these funding cuts, indicating the international implications of the President's decision.

The statement from Trump's administration reinforces his long-standing grievances against mainstream media outlets, which he has characterized as biased. Trump's appointment of loyalist Kari Lake as a special adviser to the USAGM further indicates a strategic push to shape federal media narratives.

As the landscape of federal funding for journalism remains uncertain, the implications of Trump's latest order extend beyond VOA, raising critical questions about the vitality of independent reporting and the principles that govern American journalism.

MORE ON THEME

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 01:02:00 GMT

Russia Insists on Ukraine's Neutral Status in Peace Negotiations

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 01:02:00 GMT
Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:29:30 GMT

South Africa Faces US Pressure Over Ambassador Expulsion Amid Political Tensions

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:29:30 GMT
Sun, 16 Mar 2025 15:57:03 GMT

South African Leaders Decry US Action as "Bullying" Amid Ambassador Dispute

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 15:57:03 GMT
Sun, 16 Mar 2025 13:14:44 GMT

Trump's Executive Order Puts Voice of America on Leave

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 13:14:44 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 21:13:14 GMT

Arlington Cemetery Faces Backlash Over Removal of Diversity Content

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 21:13:14 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 20:35:47 GMT

Arlington Cemetery's Controversial Content Removal Triggers Outcry Over Veterans' Representation

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 20:35:47 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 20:30:52 GMT

**Rosie O'Donnell Relocates to Ireland, Citing Political Concerns**

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 20:30:52 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 19:59:05 GMT

Key Islamic State Leader Killed in US-Iraq Operation

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 19:59:05 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 19:55:15 GMT

Alina Habba Critiques Biden’s ‘Staged’ Oval Office Setup

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 19:55:15 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:57:55 GMT

US Senate Passes Funding Bill, Government Shutdown Averted

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:57:55 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:24:19 GMT

**Trump's Pursuit of Critical Minerals: A Silver Lining for Green Technology?**

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:24:19 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:22:23 GMT

Passengers Evacuated from Burning American Airlines Flight in Colorado

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:22:23 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:18:44 GMT

Tesla Voices Concerns Over Trump’s Trade Tariffs Amid Potential Retaliation

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:18:44 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:17:11 GMT

Mark Carney Set to Lead: Canada's 24th Prime Minister Inaugurated

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:17:11 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:11:24 GMT

Trudeau's Last Stand: Rallying Canada Amidst Tariff Turbulence

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:11:24 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:24:47 GMT

Carney Open to Trade Talks with Trump, Emphasizing Sovereignty

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:24:47 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 23:02:40 GMT

**Carney Open to Trade Negotiations with Trump Amid Tariff Tensions**

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 23:02:40 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:43:04 GMT

US Proposes 30-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine-Russia Conflict Amid Optimism for Peace**

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:43:04 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:46:46 GMT

**Concerns Mount Among Indian Americans Regarding US-India Relations Under Trump Administration**

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:46:46 GMT
Tue, 11 Mar 2025 21:02:30 GMT

Russia Faces Increased Pressure Following US-Ukrainian Talks

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 21:02:30 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.