“Propaganda Has No Place in Journalism” – Critics Slam Trump’s Executive Order
The former president’s latest move raises concerns over press freedom and government oversight
📍 Washington, D.C., March 15: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to significantly scale back the functions of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM)—the entity overseeing Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Radio Free Asia. The move, seen as an effort to curb government-funded international broadcasting, has sparked immediate backlash, with critics warning of political interference and threats to press freedom.
🔹 Trump’s Executive Order: What It Means
The order directs USAGM to “reduce the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum required by law.” Employees were informed via email that they were placed on administrative leave with pay but must remain available for work if called upon, according to a memo obtained by The New York Times.
Additionally, the order requires the agency’s leadership to submit a report within a week detailing which of its functions are legally mandated and to what extent.
📢 “Trump is once again attempting to reshape government-funded media into a political tool,” a senior media analyst told The Washington Post.
🔹 Political Power Play? Trump’s Longstanding Feud with VOA
This is not the first time Trump has attempted to tighten his grip on U.S.-funded international broadcasters.
📌 During his first term, Trump appointed Michael Pack, a conservative documentary filmmaker, to lead USAGM. Pack’s tenure saw the firing of agency heads and the installation of Trump loyalists, raising concerns about the independence of journalistic entities.
📌 Now in his second term, Trump has nominated E. Brent Bozell, a well-known conservative activist, to head the agency. However, Bozell still awaits Senate confirmation.
📢 “Government-backed media must remain objective and independent,” a former VOA journalist said. “This move threatens the integrity of journalism and risks turning a respected international broadcaster into a mouthpiece for political agendas.”
VOA, which operates on an annual budget of nearly $370 million, has long been viewed as a neutral source of news for audiences worldwide, particularly in authoritarian regimes where independent journalism is heavily restricted.
🔹 Broader Government Cuts: More Agencies on the Chopping Block
Trump’s executive order doesn’t just target USAGM. It also calls for the dismantling of multiple federal agencies, including:
✅ Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
✅ Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
✅ United States Interagency Council on Homelessness
✅ Institute of Museum and Library Services
✅ Community Development Financial Institutions Fund
✅ Minority Business Development Agency
The White House has defended these cuts, stating they align with Elon Musk’s effort to reduce government bureaucracy. However, critics argue that these agencies play a crucial role in research, cultural preservation, and social welfare programs.
📢 “Trump’s budget cuts aim to dismantle government oversight while increasing corporate tax breaks and border control spending,” an economic analyst told The New York Times.
🔹 The Bigger Picture: Trump’s Push for Economic and Immigration Policies
While cutting federal agencies, Trump is also pushing for legislation to extend his 2017 tax cuts, which included a major corporate tax rate reduction. Additionally, he is seeking increased funding for:
🔴 Border control enforcement
🔴 Mass deportation efforts
The House of Representatives recently passed a budget resolution that could increase the U.S. deficit by $4.5 trillion over the next decade, while simultaneously reducing federal spending by $1.7 trillion.
📢 “This is about consolidating power and reshaping government priorities in favor of corporate and political interests,” a policy analyst told Politico.
🔹 What’s Next? Congress May Push Back
Trump’s order faces potential legal hurdles, as Congress has historically protected USAGM and VOA from political interference. A 1994 international broadcasting law explicitly prohibits government officials from interfering in news reporting.
With Trump’s track record of attempting to politicize U.S. global media, lawmakers and press freedom advocates are expected to challenge the order, arguing that it threatens democracy and independent journalism.
📢 “This is not about reducing bureaucracy; it’s about controlling the narrative,” a former USAGM official warned.