Chinese state media commended Trump’s decision to disband the Voice of America, calling it a propaganda tool. The move follows an executive order for budget cuts at the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees VOA. While Republicans support the decision, critics warn it undermines press freedom and the U.S.’s global standing in journalism.
Chinese state media has expressed approval regarding former President Donald Trump’s order to disband the Voice of America (VOA) and other U.S. government-funded media outlets. An editorial in the state-controlled Global Times denounced VOA as a “lie factory” with a poor history of reporting on China, labeling it a “frontline propaganda tool” that has misrepresented various issues, including military aggression and human rights violations in China.
Following Trump’s executive order aimed at reducing the budget of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees VOA, the Chinese Embassy in Washington refrained from commenting directly on these decisions. A spokesperson indicated a desire for more objective media reporting on U.S.-China relations but described the matter as an internal U.S. issue.
Trump’s administration has made substantial cuts to U.S. government-funded media agencies, including a significant reduction of personnel. Reports indicate that all employees at VOA received notice via email of being placed on administrative leave as part of these changes, amidst broader workforce reductions across the federal government under Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
The move to disband VOA is endorsed by several Republicans, who have often criticized the organization for perceived bias against conservative perspectives. Kari Lake, a two-time MAGA candidate, was appointed by Trump as a senior adviser for the U.S. Agency for Global Media, with aims to shift the agency’s focus towards advocating American values.
Lake has publicly stated that the agency is deeply flawed and has expressed support for Trump’s decision. Meanwhile, some lawmakers and news advocates have voiced concerns that disbanding VOA will damage the United States’ global standing and freedom of press, with dire implications for independent journalism. Steve Capus, president of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, noted that such cuts would benefit authoritarian regimes.
The recent disbandment of the Voice of America (VOA) has garnered significant attention, notably from Chinese state media, which praised the decision. The action has sparked concerns among advocates for press freedom, who warn that it may weaken the U.S.’s international influence and hinder objective reporting. As political tensions escalate, the future of U.S. government-funded media remains uncertain, prompting debates on the balance between national interests and press freedom.
Original Source: www.washingtonexaminer.com
