On March 15, 2025, the Trump administration issued an executive order to suspend funding for several broadcasting institutions including Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Asia (RFA), and Radio Free Europe (RFE). Hundreds of employees received emails stating they were prohibited from entering offices and must surrender their press credentials and office equipment. The White House described this action as ensuring “taxpayers no longer pay for radical propaganda.” This decision follows a 30-day funding freeze announced earlier this month by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. The leadership of these organizations has expressed intentions to challenge this decision. This suspension of funding significantly restricts the civic space by limiting access to diverse information sources and curtailing press freedom.
