Trump is diligently seeking to dissolve any American institution that conflicts with his agenda and views, or that directs criticism toward him. He began targeting various American media outlets during his election campaign, accusing some of favoring the Democrats, particularly former President Joe Biden, while attacking his own initiatives. Therefore, the executive order he signed on March 14, 2025, which calls for the closure of around seven American institutions—including the “Voice of America” (VOA), established during World War II in 1942 as a means to criticize the Axis powers, particularly Nazi Germany—was not surprising. VOA reaches about 400 million listeners worldwide and broadcasts in up to 50 languages, alongside the U.S. Agency for Global Media, formerly known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors, which is the parent company responsible for VOA and a number of globally broadcasting radio stations. This move has drawn widespread criticism both domestically and internationally.
Justifications for the Closures
The White House defended the executive order with several justifications explaining why Trump chose to take this step. The key justifications include:
Intentional Criticism of Trump’s Policies: Trump argued that he is being targeted by “Voice of America,” claiming it is “hostile” towards him as it criticizes various policies he supports, despite his perspective that they aim to “Make America Great Again.” He described the institution as engaged in “extreme propaganda” against him. In this regard, White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt stated to USA Today: “Today, President Trump is delivering on his promise to make our government more efficient. American taxpayers should not fund anti-American propaganda in the name of journalism.”
Reducing Federal Government Spending: The White House justified Trump’s decision as a desire to cut federal expenses borne by taxpayer money. Announcements were made placing up to 1,300 employees from the institution on paid administrative leave, coinciding with the directives of billionaire businessman Elon Musk, who has criticized VOA multiple times on social media platforms like X, calling for its closure. In this context, he stated last February about VOA’s broadcasters: “No one listens to them anymore. They are just crazy far-left people talking to themselves while burning taxpayer dollars.”
Trump’s Diminished View of These Agencies: Trump views these agencies as “insignificant,” not fulfilling essential functions deserving of federal funding. This was mentioned as part of the rationale for his executive order to close seven agencies, including those providing developmental services to the American community and others associated with maintaining American culture and museums. This reflects a lack of cultural awareness and knowledge on Trump’s part, as he fails to differentiate between hard and soft power that could be more effective in achieving a nation’s goals.
Dissemination of Biased Propaganda Against American Interests: President Trump accused some of the closed institutions of adopting an agenda against U.S. interests, claiming that “Voice of America” acts as a platform for misleading propaganda promoting agendas hostile to Washington. He regarded attempts to restructure or reform these institutions as unfeasible, necessitating the final closure decision.
Consequences of the Closures
Similar to other executive decisions made by Trump that have been implemented despite conflicting with judicial rulings, the decision is expected to be executed rapidly, resulting in several ramifications, as outlined below:
Undermining American and Global Press Freedom: Trump’s decisions and recent actions are likely to negatively affect American press freedom, making it less critical of the President’s directions and decisions, lest it face targeting or closure. Trump has consistently criticized various newspapers mentioning him or questioning his decisions, such as The Washington Post. In his recent speech at the Justice Department in March, he described CNN and MSNBC as “corrupt,” accusing them of trying to influence the U.S. judiciary by pressuring judges to align with their viewpoints. This trend may limit media institutions in the future from conveying the truth to the American public, leading them to align solely with Trump’s directives. Additionally, a global impact is anticipated, as Trump’s maneuvers grant other leaders the opportunity to follow suit, affecting press freedom on a broader scale. In this regard, a statement published by Reporters Without Borders remarked: “The dismantling of Voice of America threatens press freedom worldwide and negates 80 years of American history in supporting the free flow of information.”
Giving Critics Room to Target the U.S.: While American lawmakers and officials have historically criticized countries that suppress press freedom and imprison journalists, Trump’s actions provide an opportunity for regimes that he has previously labeled as “authoritarian,” such as China, Iran, and Russia, to advance in criticizing Washington. They could speak about double standards concerning the treatment of media institutions worldwide and their closures in response to U.S. administrative critiques, even attempting to fill the journalistic void that Trump’s actions might create. In this context, VOA Director Mike Abramowitz stated that Trump’s move limits the institution’s ability to “fulfill its vital mission… When America’s foes, such as Iran, China, and Russia, spend billions creating false narratives to malign the United States, the institution will not be able to defend Washington.”
Negative Impact on Countering China and Russia: It is anticipated that multiple radio agencies funded by the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which were mentioned in Trump’s executive order, will be affected. This includes “Radio Free Europe” and “Radio Free Asia,” which focus on counteracting China and Russia, among other countries accused of communism, while promoting American ideals related to democracy, human rights, and the preservation of freedom. Notably, European officials have called for necessary funding to support Radio Free Europe’s operations.
Erosion of U.S. Soft Power: Journalism and radio are considered tools of soft power used by various governments to enhance their influence. Trump’s anti-press actions could lead to the disintegration of more American media institutions that historically were viewed as free press, which would further erode American soft power and allow other powers, such as Russia and China, to fill the void potentially left by Washington.
In light of this, the Chinese state-backed Global Times praised Trump’s decision, criticizing Voice of America as a “factory of lies with a horrific record,” particularly regarding its coverage of China’s actions in the South China Sea or the human rights conditions of Muslims in Xinjiang, labeling it as a “symbolic tool of the U.S. for ideological infiltration into China.”
In summary, it can be asserted that Trump’s various actions will not be limited to structural changes within different American institutions but will also facilitate changes within American society. This is especially true given that Trump directs scathing criticism toward any newspaper or media outlet that confronts him, even going as far as banning them from attending White House press conferences. The concerning aspect is Trump’s disregard for judicial rulings, and less than 100 days into his presidency, he has managed to enact significant changes that will require substantial time to address, particularly as there is a need to rebuild trust with both American employees and Washington’s allies abroad.

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