US President Donald Trump has signed an order to strip the voices of federally funded news organizations, accusing them of being “anti-Trump” and “radical.”
According to a White House statement, the order “will ensure that taxpayers do not become a fundamental propaganda hook,” including quotes from politicians and right-wing media railings against the “left,” and “partisan” VOA.
Still a primarily radio service, VOA was founded during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda. It is used by hundreds of millions of people around the world.
VOA director Mike Abramowitz said he and virtually all 1,300 staff members were on paid leave.
Abramowitz said the order led the VoA to “a critical mission… a particularly important mission… a particularly important mission… today, when the US enemies are creating false stories for Iran, China, Russia and others to sink billions of dollars to trust the United States.”
The President’s order covers VOA’s parent company, US Global Media (USAGM). It also funds nonprofit organizations such as Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia.
Tell the manager to “reduce performance.” “To the minimum existence and function required by law.”
CBS, the US news partner of the BBC, said VOA employees were notified via email from Crystal Thomas, head of human resources at USAGM.
Sources told CBS that all freelance workers and international contractors were told they had no money to pay.
The email obtained by CBS informed the bosses of Radio Free Asia and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that the federal grants have ended.
The National Press Club, a leading representative group of US journalists, said the order “undermines America’s long-standing commitment to a free and independent media.”
“If the entire newsroom can be bystanded all night, what does it say about the state of freedom of the press?
“The entire institution is being dismantled in a handful of parts. This is not just a staffing decision. It is a fundamental change that puts the future of independent journalism at VOA.”
VOA and other stations under USAGM are roughly equivalent to BBC World Services, which serves more than 400,000 listeners and is partially funded by the UK government.
Trump billionaire and top adviser Elon Musk, who oversees drastic cuts to the US government, is calling for the VOA to be shut down using his social media platform X.
The US President has also cut funding to several other federal agencies, including those responsible for preventing homelessness and funding museums and libraries.
Trump was extremely critical of the VOA during his first term. He recently appointed Staunch’s loyalist Kari Lake as special advisor to USAGM.
The president regularly states that mainstream media is biased against him. During his speech to the Department of Justice, he called CNN and MSNBC “corruption” and “illegal” without providing evidence.
Voice of America was launched in 1942 with an order to fight Nazis and Japanese propaganda. The first broadcast, made on a transmitter loaned to the US by the BBC, said it was a modest purpose.
Former President Gerald Ford signed the VOA’s public charter in 1976 to protect the editorial independence.
By 1994, the Broadcasting Committee, which oversaw non-military broadcasting, was established.
In 2013, a change in law allowed VOA and its affiliates to begin broadcasting in the US.
