Trump Cuts Funding for Prague-Based Radio Free Europe

The U.S. government has decided to end funding for Prague-based Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) as part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to reduce the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to its legal minimum.

The move, announced on Friday, also affects the operations of Voice of America (VOA), with many employees placed on administrative suspension.

According to an executive order issued by Trump, several agencies, including USAGM, must limit their activities “to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law.” The directive states that these organizations should function only as required by law, citing the need to reduce federal bureaucracy.

Reuters reported that it had reviewed internal USAGM letters confirming the termination of funding for RFE/RL, which provides news coverage in Eastern Europe, and Radio Free Asia, which primarily targets China and North Korea.

RFE/RL confirmed the decision, with its chief, Stephen Capus, calling the move “a huge gift to America’s enemies.”

“Up to fifty million listeners in closed societies who rely on us for accurate news and information will lose access to independent reporting,” Capus said. “The closure of RFE/RL after 75 years would be welcomed by autocrats in Moscow and Minsk.”

Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that a large portion of Voice of America staff were told they were on “administrative suspension,” meaning they are not required to work but will continue receiving pay.

Elon Musk Calls for VOA and RFE/RL Shutdown

Billionaire Elon Musk has called for the shutdown of Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, branding them “radical left-wing lunatics.” Musk posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, accusing the organizations of political bias.

Trump has had a history of conflicts with VOA leadership. After assuming office, he appointed Kari Lake, a former television anchor known for her pro-Trump views, to lead the station.

USAGM Ends Contracts with Major News Agencies

Kari Lake also announced this week that USAGM would be terminating contracts with three of the world’s largest news agencies—AP, Reuters, and AFP—calling them “costly and unnecessary expenses.”

“With an annual budget of nearly $1 billion, USAGM should produce its own news instead of relying on outside agencies,” Lake argued. She estimated the move could save $53 million annually.

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