Trump moves to close down Voice of America

Voice of America, commonly known as VOA, is a significant news organization that was established in 1942 during World War II. Its primary mission was to counteract the propaganda spread by Nazi Germany and Japan. Over the years, VOA has evolved into a vital source of news for millions of people around the globe. However, recent developments have raised concerns about its future. On Friday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at reducing the size and scope of several federal agencies, including the US Agency for Global Media, which oversees VOA. This move is part of Trump's broader initiative to downsize the US government. The president has accused VOA of being 'anti-Trump' and 'radical,' claiming that it does not represent the views of many Americans. The White House issued a statement asserting that the order would ensure taxpayers are not funding what they describe as 'radical propaganda. ' This statement reflects a growing sentiment among some politicians and right-wing media commentators who have criticized VOA for its perceived leftist bias. Mike Abramowitz, the director of VOA, expressed his concerns about the impact of the executive order. He revealed that he and nearly all of the 1,300 staff members at VOA have been placed on paid leave. Abramowitz emphasized that this order hampers VOA's ability to fulfill its essential mission, especially at a time when adversaries like Iran, China, and Russia are investing heavily in spreading misinformation to undermine the United States. The executive order specifically targets the US Agency for Global Media, which also funds other organizations such as Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia. These entities were initially established to counter communist propaganda during the Cold War. The order instructs managers to minimize operations to the bare minimum required by law, which raises concerns about the future of these organizations and their ability to provide unbiased news. CBS News, in collaboration with the BBC, reported that VOA employees received an email from Crystal Thomas, the human resources director at USAGM, informing them of the changes. Freelance workers and international contractors were also notified that there would be no funds available to pay them. This development is particularly troubling, as it suggests that many individuals who contribute to the production of news may find themselves without work. VOA and its affiliated stations serve over 400 million listeners worldwide, making them comparable to the BBC World Service, which receives partial funding from the British government. Elon Musk, a billionaire and advisor to Trump, has publicly called for the closure of VOA through his social media platform. In addition to the changes at VOA, Trump has also cut funding to various federal agencies, including those that address homelessness and support museums and libraries. These cuts have sparked concerns about the potential consequences for essential services. Throughout his presidency, Trump has been critical of VOA, and he recently appointed Kari Lake, a loyal supporter, as a special advisor for the US Agency for Global Media. The president frequently claims that mainstream media outlets are biased against him, labeling CNN and MSNBC as 'corrupt' and 'illegal' without providing substantial evidence. The White House's statement referenced several commentators and reports from right-wing media that allege bias within VOA. One notable quote came from Dan Robinson, a former White House correspondent for VOA, who described the organization as a 'hubris-filled rogue operation' that often reflects a leftist bias. The statement also included claims that VOA managers instructed staff not to label Hamas as a 'terrorist organization' and to suppress negative coverage of Iran. Furthermore, there were references to reporting during the 2020 US election that was perceived as favorable to Joe Biden, Trump's opponent. Voice of America has a rich history, beginning with its mission to combat Nazi propaganda in 1942. Its first broadcast was made using a transmitter loaned by the BBC, and it had a straightforward purpose. In 1976, former President Gerald Ford signed a public charter to protect VOA's editorial independence. By 1994, the Broadcast Board of Governors was established to oversee non-military broadcasting. In 2013, a legislative change allowed VOA and its affiliates to begin broadcasting within the United States. As these recent developments unfold, many are left wondering what the future holds for Voice of America and its role in providing unbiased news to its audience.