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Donald Trump’s sudden directive to dismantle the federal agency responsible for overseeing the Voice of America (VOA) has elicited significant backlash from journalists affiliated with the outlet over the past weekend.
According to Steve Herman, a seasoned journalist with VOA who experienced suspension earlier this year, the decision to close VOA represents “a national security issue.” In a recent Substack post, he expressed that the repercussions of this closure would likely be celebrated by authoritarian leaders in countries such as Russia, Belarus, China, North Korea, and Iran.
Herman emphasized the historical significance of VOA, stating that it, along with other agencies like Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty, and Radio Free Asia, has served as pivotal channels of American soft power. These platforms have facilitated a connection to individuals across the globe who may never visit the United States but resonate with American values conveyed through broadcasts in multiple languages.
Founded in 1942 to provide uncensored news to areas under Axis control during World War II, the VOA has maintained a global audience exceeding 350 million as of 2023. The abrupt closure came after Trump signed an executive order on Friday to eliminate the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which includes VOA and its counterparts.
This executive order purportedly aims to streamline government functions by eliminating those deemed non-essential and reducing statutory functions as legally required. As a result, hundreds of journalists and staff members were abruptly placed on paid leave.
Critics of the decision perceive it as retaliatory, particularly since it followed an incident where a VOA reporter’s question angered Trump during a press event. The reporter inquired about Trump’s plans regarding Palestinians in Gaza. Trump’s sharp response, “Oh, no wonder,” when he learned the reporter was from VOA has been cited as an indication of the tense relationship between the administration and the outlet.
Stephen Capus, the CEO of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty, condemned the closure further, stating that such a move would be a substantial advantage for the nation’s adversaries, including Iran, China, and Russia. He noted that without these outlets, nearly 50 million individuals in restrictive societies would lose access to credible news and insights regarding the United States and global affairs.
Michael Joshua Abramowitz, director of VOA, also voiced strong disapproval of the shutdown, describing it as unprecedented in the organization’s 83-year history. In a statement shared on Facebook, he lamented the implementation of administrative leave for the majority of VoA’s staff, highlighting that the move could severely hinder the outlet’s mission, particularly at a time when global misinformation campaigns are rampant.
Abramowitz stressed the importance of VOA in promoting democracy and freedom globally, arguing that the actions taken by the administration not only threaten the operation of the agency but also undermine U.S. interests in fostering a safe and free world.
The action against VOA is perceived as part of a broader trend within the Trump administration aimed at curtailing a free press and infringing upon free speech rights. This came shortly after Trump delivered a divisive speech at the Department of Justice in which he suggested prosecuting political opponents, including media organizations that report unfavorably about him.
During this speech, Trump derided leading news outlets, characterizing their reporting as illegitimate and suggesting that their critical narratives should be eliminated. This stance raises concerns about violations of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects freedoms related to the press and speech.
In addition to undermining press freedoms, Trump has marginalized the White House Correspondents Association by revoking its authority to decide which media covers presidential activities. Several news organizations have already been barred from White House access due to displeasure with their coverage, highlighting a troubling trend toward censorship. The response from the WHCA and other media organizations has been limited, with little pushback against the restrictions imposed by the administration.
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