US President Donald Trump has moved to dismantle the government-funded news agency Voice of America (VOA), alleging that it promotes biased and divisive content. Agencies reported that Trump signed an executive order targeting VOA and several other agencies.
White House Criticizes VOA’s Operations
A senior White House official condemned VOA, claiming that it has long deviated from its mission. “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 for years now,” the official told Fox News Digital.
Executive Order Targets Multiple Agencies
On Friday, Trump signed an executive order to dismantle seven government offices, including the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The order mandates these agencies to minimize their operations, stating that only their essential functions should remain.
USAGM Advisor Calls Agency ‘Beyond Repair’
Kari Lake, a senior advisor at USAGM, supported the move, describing the agency as unsalvageable. “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,” she stated. She acknowledged that some dedicated employees exist within the agency but insisted that they are “the exception rather than the rule.”
Other Agencies Affected by the Order
The executive order also impacts several other government entities, including:
- 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
With this move, Trump aims to reduce government spending and restructure agencies he considers inefficient or politically biased.