US President Donald Trump Signs Order to Strip Back Voice of America Funding

US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by signing an order to strip back federally funded news organization Voice of America, accusing it of being “anti-Trump” and “radical”. The move has raised concerns about press freedom and the future of independent journalism.

The White House statement accompanying the order claimed it would “ensure taxpayers are no longer on the hook for radical propaganda”, citing quotes from politicians and right-wing media criticizing VOA as “leftist” and “partisan”. VOA, originally established during World War Two to counter Nazi propaganda, reaches hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

Mike Abramowitz, VOA’s director, expressed dismay at the order, stating that it hinders the organization’s ability to fulfill its “vital mission” in countering false narratives spread by America’s adversaries like Iran, China, and Russia. The order also affects other entities funded by VOA’s parent company, US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), such as Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia.

The decision to put VOA staff on paid leave and reduce the organization’s performance to the minimum required by law has drawn criticism from various quarters. The National Press Club condemned the move, warning that it undermines America’s commitment to a free and independent press.

The impact of the order extends beyond VOA, with reports of funding cuts to federal agencies responsible for preventing homelessness and supporting cultural institutions like museums and libraries. Elon Musk, a top adviser to Trump, has also called for VOA to be shut down, adding to the controversy surrounding the decision.

As the future of VOA and its affiliates hangs in the balance, concerns about the state of press freedom and independent journalism have been raised. The move to dismantle VOA piece by piece has sparked calls for action to preserve the organization’s operations and uphold its historical mandate to combat propaganda.