Trump Freezes US-funded Media Outlets Including Voice Of America

The Voice of America has been silenced, at least for now,

a veteran correspondent said

That mission is especially critical today, ... when America’s adversaries, like Iran, China, and Russia, are sinking billions of dollars into creating false narratives to discredit the United States.”

he wrote

It is critical we recognize our agency is funded by hardworking American taxpayers, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet,

Lake wrote earlier this month

VOA needs thoughtful reform, and we have made progress in that regard. But today's action will leave Voice of America unable to carry out its vital mission,

he said on Facebook

It's not just about losing your income. We have staff and contractors who fear for their safety. We have reporters who work under the radar in authoritarian countries in Asia. We have staff in the US who fear deportation if their work visa is no longer valid."

A Radio Free Asia employee said

The Iranian ayatollahs, Chinese communist leaders, and autocrats in Moscow and Minsk would celebrate the demise of RFE/RL after 75 years,

its president, Stephen Capus, said in a statement

Voice of America has been a priceless asset for the United States, playing an essential role in the fight against communism, fascism, and oppression, and in the fight for freedom and democracy around the world,

he said, noting that

Practically everyone I know at Voice of America, from various departments and language services, received emails today informing them that they are being placed on involuntary leave for an indefinite period. This means that, as of now, Voice of America, which broadcasts in 49 languages worldwide, has ceased operations. It is not clear when and in what form it [the work – ed.] will resume and whether it will resume."

Quote from Yarysh