President Signs Executive Order to Shut Down Government-Funded Media Agencies, Citing Bias and Security Risks
Washington DC, March 17: United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to dismantle Voice of America (VOA) and other government-funded media agencies, alleging that they have promoted biased narratives instead of serving the public interest.
"Voice of America has been out of step with America for years. It serves as the Voice for Radical America and has pushed divisive propaganda," a senior White House official told Fox News Digital.
The order targets the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM)—which oversees VOA, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and other international broadcasting services—stating that their functions should be "reduced to the minimum presence required by law."
Key Agencies Affected by the Order
Voice of America (VOA) U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars Institute of Museum and Library Services U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Minority Business Development Agency
White House: VOA Is "Not Salvageable"
The USAGM and its senior advisor Kari Lake issued a statement reinforcing the administration’s decision, calling the agency "irretrievably broken."
"From top to bottom, this agency is a giant rot and burden to the American taxpayer—a national security risk for this nation—and irretrievably broken," the statement read.
Despite acknowledging a few "talented and dedicated public servants" within the agency, the administration insists that the problems within VOA and USAGM far outweigh any potential benefits of keeping them operational.
Trump’s Push Against Government-Funded Media
This is not the first time Trump has targeted VOA. In his previous term, he appointed Michael Pack as the head of USAGM, who fired top executives of the broadcasting agencies and reshaped their editorial direction. Critics argue that Trump's latest move is an attempt to weaken independent journalism, while supporters claim that VOA and USAGM have long been accused of bias and inefficiency.
The executive order aligns with Trump's broader effort to reduce the federal bureaucracy and cut government spending on institutions he views as unnecessary or politically biased.
What’s Next?
While the executive order directs the dismantling of these agencies, the process may face legal and legislative hurdles, as Congress has historically protected government-backed international media outlets from political interference.
The move is expected to spark debates in Washington over press freedom, national security, and government accountability.
Last Updated on March 17, 2025 by Sandeep
