After defunding Voice of America, the White House raised a number of concerns about the publication's work. Donald Trump's administration stated that taxpayers would no longer be "on the hook for radical propaganda." This is stated on the White House website, writes UNN.
Details
Trump criticized Voice of America, citing materials from various media outlets that accused the broadcaster of violating journalistic standards and evading responsibility. The White House also noted that some of the publication's reporters posted critical comments about Trump on the social network X, despite the policy of impartiality.
Among the remarks about the broadcaster made by Trump:
- in October 2020, Voice of America wrote about a possible Russian role in the scandal involving the laptop of former US President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, which the Trump administration perceived as an attempt to "hide the truth";
- in September 2019, the Daily Caller reported that Voice of America hired a Russian anti-American propagandist;
- in May 2019, Voice of America fired reporters for their role in canceling a broadcast mid-air after pressure from the Chinese government;
- in March 2019, Voice of America aired a story about transgender migrants seeking asylum in the US;
- Voice of America management asked employees not to call Hamas and its members terrorists, "except when official statements are quoted."
Recall
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order that provides for a significant reduction in federal bureaucracy, including the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees international media such as Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Radio Liberty President Stephen Kapus stated that cutting funding for Radio Liberty is a gift to Iran, China, and autocratic regimes, which will only strengthen their positions.