From WWII to today: The fall of Voice of America and America’s global influence

By willowt // 2025-03-18

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President Trump signed an executive order significantly reducing the operations of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and other state-funded broadcasters. This has left hundreds of journalists on administrative leave and halted broadcasts in key regions like Asia and the Middle East.
VOA and RFE/RL have been critical tools of U.S. soft power since their inception, countering authoritarian propaganda during World War II and the Cold War. They provide uncensored news to millions in closed societies, addressing issues like human rights abuses and political corruption.
President Trump has long accused government-funded media, particularly VOA, of liberal bias. The White House defended the executive order, citing examples of perceived bias, while critics argue the move undermines America’s ability to combat disinformation and authoritarian narratives globally.
Critics, including national security experts and press freedom advocates, warn that defunding these outlets creates a vacuum that adversarial nations like Russia and China could exploit. They argue this decision weakens U.S. global influence and strengthens authoritarian regimes.
The abrupt shutdown of VOA and its networks marks a significant shift in U.S. public diplomacy. Legal actions are being considered to restore affected employees, while debates continue over the role of government-funded media in promoting democratic values and countering global disinformation.

In a move that has sparked fierce debate over the role of government-funded media, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday effectively gutting the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the parent organization of Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and other state-sponsored broadcasters. The decision has left hundreds of journalists and staff on administrative leave, silenced radio broadcasts across Asia and the Middle East, and drawn sharp criticism from both sides of the political aisle. For decades, these outlets have served as a counterweight to authoritarian regimes, delivering uncensored news to millions in closed societies. Now, their future hangs in the balance, raising questions about the implications for America’s global influence and the fight against disinformation.

A legacy of countering propaganda

Voice of America was established in 1942 to combat Nazi propaganda during World War II. Over the years, it evolved into a cornerstone of U.S. soft power, broadcasting news and information to countries where independent journalism is suppressed. During the Cold War, VOA and RFE/RL became vital tools in countering Soviet disinformation, offering a lifeline to millions behind the Iron Curtain. “To effectively shutter the Voice of America is to dim a beacon that burned bright during some of the darkest hours since 1942,” said VOA correspondent Steven Herman, who was placed on administrative leave earlier this month. The USAGM’s network of broadcasters, including Radio Free Asia and the Office for Cuba Broadcasting, reaches an estimated 420 million people weekly. These outlets have long been a thorn in the side of authoritarian regimes, providing uncensored reporting on issues ranging from human rights abuses to political corruption. “Programs like [Radio Free Asia] provide day-to-day updates on far-off regions, uphold a free press even in authoritarian countries, and ensure Americans—and people everywhere—are not subject to our adversaries’ propaganda,” said Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), former chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Trump’s critique: Bias and irrelevance

President Trump has long criticized government-funded media, accusing outlets like VOA of harboring a liberal bias. On Saturday, he doubled down on his critique, calling the “fake news” media “sick degenerates that have to start reporting the news correctly.” The White House defended the executive order in a press release titled “The Voice of Radical America,” which accused VOA of displaying “a leftist bias aligned with partisan national media.” The release cited two stories as evidence: one in which VOA instructed its reporters not to refer to Hamas as “terrorists,” and another titled, “What is ‘White Privilege’ and Whom Does it Help?” Elon Musk, who leads Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), echoed the administration’s stance, labeling VOA and RFE/RL as “radical left crazy people talking to themselves while torching $1B/year of US taxpayer money.” Musk argued that “nobody listens to them anymore,” a claim that critics say overlooks the broadcasters’ continued relevance in regions like Iran, China and Russia.

A “massive gift to America’s enemies”

The decision to defund these outlets has drawn sharp rebukes from advocates of press freedom and national security experts. Stephen Capus, president and CEO of RFE/RL, called the move “a massive gift to America’s enemies.” “The Iranian Ayatollahs, Chinese communist leaders and autocrats in Moscow and Minsk would celebrate the demise of RFE/RL after 75 years,” Capus said in a statement. “Handing our adversaries a win would make them stronger and America weaker.” Critics warn that the shutdown of VOA and its sister networks could create a vacuum filled by state-controlled media from countries like Russia and China. Already, some international stations that relied on VOA content have begun airing news from these adversarial nations. “They have pulled the plug operationally,” said David Z. Seide, an attorney representing several VOA journalists. Seide is considering legal action to restore the affected employees, while the American Foreign Service Association has pledged “a vigorous defense” of its VOA members.

The road ahead

The abrupt interruption of VOA’s broadcasts marks a turning point in the history of U.S. public diplomacy. While the Trump administration has framed the decision as a cost-cutting measure and a response to perceived bias, critics argue that it undermines America’s ability to counter authoritarian narratives and promote democratic values abroad. Kari Lake, Trump’s newly appointed USAGM special adviser, acknowledged the challenges ahead. “The people’s trust in the 4th Estate is broken,” she said. “We have a lot more work to do to rebuild it.” As the debate over the role of government-funded media continues, one thing is clear: the silencing of VOA and its sister networks represents more than just a budgetary decision. It is a seismic shift in America’s approach to global communication—one that could have far-reaching consequences for years to come. In the words of Steven Herman, “The Voice of America was a beacon of truth in a world often shrouded in darkness. Its absence will be felt by millions who relied on it for hope and clarity.” Sources include: RT.com NYPost.com TasminNews.com