The Trump administration has escalated its campaign against independent media, targeting the Voice of America (VOA) with severe budget cuts to its oversight agency, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). Accusing VOA of promoting "radical propaganda" and anti-Trump bias, the White House cited conservative media critiques to justify slashing funding a move critics call politically motivated.

VOA leaders blasted the decision, arguing it undermines America’s ability to counter foreign disinformation campaigns by rivals like China, Iran, and Russia. The cuts align with broader Trump-era reductions to social services, cultural institutions, and public libraries, sparking outcry over threats to free speech and democratic values.

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