Trump Orders Dismantling of Voice of America, Other Funded Media

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the Voice of America (VOA) and other government-funded media outlets under the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which he has criticized for bias. The order instructs the elimination of several government offices and has led to scores of VOA employees being placed on administrative leave and barred from their offices. Critics, including press freedom advocates, argue that this move undermines independent journalism and weakens U.S. influence globally, particularly in authoritarian regions where such media play a crucial role. Trump’s directive is part of a broader effort to reduce the size of government and is seen as a culmination of his long-standing grievances against VOA, which he claims promotes divisive propaganda. Kari Lake, a Trump ally, has been appointed to oversee the USAGM, and the changes have drawn sharp rebuke from former officials and media advocates who warn of detrimental impacts on U.S. democratic values abroad. The ramifications of this executive order are yet to be fully understood, as reports indicate significant operational cuts and employee terminations within the affected agencies.