Trump Shuts Down Voice of America, Citing Bias and National Security Concerns
In a sweeping executive order, President Trump dismantles Voice of America and other government-funded media, accusing them of promoting propaganda and misrepresenting U.S. interests.
Watan-According to White House sources, Trump believes that Voice of America (VOA) has become a platform for misleading propaganda, accusing the agency of “whitewashing terrorist groups” and promoting agendas hostile to the United States.
Details of the Executive Order
On Friday, President Trump signed an executive order dismantling seven government agencies, including:
- The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
- The Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB), which operates Radio and TV Martí for Cuban audiences.
- Other agencies, such as the Joint Coordination Council for Homeless Affairs and the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund.
Reactions to the Decision
Kari Lake, an advisor at USAGM appointed by Trump to manage Voice of America, defended the move, stating that the agency is “beyond repair,” a “burden on taxpayers,” and a “threat to national security.” Employees at VOA reportedly received emails notifying them of the immediate termination of their contracts.
VOA Under Scrutiny for Controversial Coverage
In recent years, Voice of America has faced widespread criticism for biased reporting, including:
- Its coverage of the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel, where reporters were allegedly instructed not to refer to Hamas as terrorists unless quoting official sources.
- Publishing controversial articles, such as “What Is White Privilege and Who Benefits from It?” in 2020.
- Airings of video segments that appeared to be campaign ads for Joe Biden during the 2020 presidential election.
A Step Toward Media Reform or an Attack on Press Freedom?
Some critics argue that shutting down Voice of America could eliminate biased government-funded media, while others fear the move might suppress international journalism. However, the White House insists that “government-funded media should reflect true American values, not push specific political narratives.”
What’s Next?
With Trump signing the executive order, journalists and officials await responses from Congress and the media industry on the future of U.S. government-funded journalism and whether efforts will be made to restructure it in a more transparent and independent manner.
