Sun, 16 Mar 2025

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 Trump moves to close down Voice of America

More than 1,300 staff placed on administrative leave as White House accuses VOA of being anti-Trump, "radical" and "leftist".
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to significantly cut back funding and operations at federally funded news organization Voice of America (VOA), accusing it of being "anti-Trump" and "radical". The move, which has left VOA's 1,300 employees on paid leave, would reportedly reduce the agency's performance to a minimum presence and function required by law. This decision has been met with criticism from journalists, politicians, and other world leaders, who see it as an attack on press freedom and a threat to the integrity of independent journalism. VOA, which was established during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda, currently reaches hundreds of millions of people around the globe each week. Critics argue that Trump's order is part of a broader effort to suppress dissenting voices and undermine the media's role in holding those in power accountable. The National Press Club has condemned the move, saying it "undermines America's long-standing commitment to a free and independent press". The president's order also targets other federally funded news organizations, including Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia, which were set up to counter communism. The European Union is considering providing support to these broadcasters in light of Trump's decision.
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