The Trump administration has begun significant budget cuts to Voice of America and other media agencies, placing all VOA employees on leave. This action follows Congress's passage of a funding bill that limits agency functions. Advocacy groups criticize these cuts as a move against American principles of free expression, particularly in destabilizing regions. The Agency for Global Media, which oversees VOA and similar entities, is particularly affected, cutting off crucial news services that reach millions in oppressive regimes. Experts warn that these decisions may undermine U.S. global influence and support for democracy.
On Saturday, Voice of America employees were placed on paid leave, alongside reports of deep cuts to the U.S. Agency for Global Media's programs.
Reporters Without Borders condemned these actions as a departure from the U.S.'s historic role as a defender of free information, urging government restoration of VOA.
The cuts not only affect VOA but also terminate grants to Radio Free Asia and other programming reaching 427 million people globally, especially in authoritarian regimes.
The Agency for Global Media, which oversees these outlets, is facing budget constraints imposed by Trump's administration, raising concerns about the future of U.S. influence abroad.
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