Trump Signs Executive Order to Dismantle Voice of America, Citing ‘Radical Propaganda’

The U.S. government-funded media, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order targeting the Voice of America (VOA), accusing the broadcaster of promoting “radical propaganda” and being “anti-Trump.”

The White House defended the decision, stating that taxpayer dollars should no longer support biased content. The order primarily impacts VOA’s parent organization, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which also oversees non-profit entities Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia—media outlets originally established to counter communist influence during the Cold War.

VOA, founded in 1942 to combat Nazi and Japanese propaganda, currently reaches hundreds of millions of listeners worldwide each week. However, under the new directive, USAGM managers have reportedly been instructed to scale down operations to the bare legal minimum.

Crystal Thomas, the agency’s human resources director, allegedly notified VOA employees of the changes via email, informing them of immediate shifts in operations. Freelance workers and international contractors were reportedly informed that funding would be halted, while federal grants for Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia were also terminated.

VOA’s director, Mike Abramowitz, condemned the move, revealing that nearly all of the organization’s 1,300 employees had been placed on paid leave. “This order severely hinders VOA’s critical mission, especially as misinformation from U.S. adversaries like Iran, China, and Russia continues to rise,” Abramowitz stated.

Trump’s order aligns with his long-standing criticism of media outlets he deems hostile to his administration. He has frequently accused mainstream organizations like CNN and MSNBC of bias, often labelling them “corrupt.”

See Also

MTN Group proposes full acquisition of IHS Towers in $2.2 billion deal

The order follows Trump’s recent appointment of Kari Lake, a vocal supporter, as a special adviser for USAGM—further fueling speculation that the administration seeks greater control over U.S.-funded media narratives.

VOA has long prided itself on journalistic independence. In 1976, President Gerald Ford signed its public charter to ensure editorial autonomy, reinforcing its mission to provide unbiased news. Critics argue that Trump’s executive order undermines these protections and could have lasting consequences for America’s global media presence.