WASHINGTON D.C, USA — United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the Voice of America (VOA), accusing the federally funded broadcaster of promoting “radical propaganda” and being “anti-Trump.”
The move has sparked widespread controversy, with critics warning that it undermines America’s global media influence.
The White House announced that the order would ensure taxpayers no longer fund what it described as biased content.
The decision follows criticism from politicians and right-wing media outlets, which have long accused VOA of favouring left-leaning narratives.
Established during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda, VOA reaches hundreds of millions of people globally each week.
The executive order also targets its parent organisation, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees other entities such as Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia.
These organisations were initially created to counter communist propaganda during the Cold War.
Under the order, managers have been instructed to minimise operations to the bare minimum required by law.
VOA employees were reportedly notified of the changes via email from Crystal Thomas, USAGM’s Human Resources Director.
President Trump has frequently accused mainstream media outlets of bias, labelling networks such as CNN and MSNBC as “corrupt.” His latest move against VOA is seen as part of a broader effort to reshape U.S. media institutions.
VOA, which launched in 1942 with its first broadcast transmitted on a BBC-loaned device, has long been a cornerstone of U.S. international broadcasting.
Its public charter, signed by former President Gerald Ford in 1976, was designed to safeguard its editorial independence.
However, the executive order has already had significant repercussions. Freelance workers and international contractors were reportedly informed of a funding halt, while federal grants for Radio Free Asia and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty have been terminated.
Mike Abramowitz, VOA’s Director, revealed that nearly all 1,300 staff members, including himself, have been placed on paid leave following the order.
He warned that the move jeopardises VOA’s critical mission, particularly at a time when misinformation from U.S. adversaries like Iran, China, and Russia is on the rise.
“This decision hinders VOA’s ability to counter disinformation and promote democratic values globally,” Abramowitz said. “It is a blow to our mission and to the millions who rely on us for accurate and unbiased news.”
The executive order has also raised concerns about the politicisation of U.S. international broadcasting.
Trump recently appointed Kari Lake, a loyalist and former news anchor, as a special adviser for USAGM, a move seen as an attempt to exert greater control over the agency.
Critics argue that dismantling VOA and its sister organisations could weaken America’s ability to project soft power and counter authoritarian narratives abroad.
Supporters of the order, however, contend that it is a necessary step to eliminate bias and ensure taxpayer funds are used responsibly.
As the implications of the executive order unfold, the future of U.S. international broadcasting remains uncertain.
The move has ignited a fierce debate about the role of government-funded media in a democratic society and the balance between editorial independence and accountability.
The White House has yet to provide further details on how the dismantling process will be implemented or what will replace the existing structure. For now, VOA and its affiliates face an unprecedented challenge as they navigate the fallout from President Trump’s latest intervention.
