Washington, March 17, 2025: In a bold and controversial move, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 14, 2025, that mandates the dismantling of the Voice of America (VOA), a long-established government-funded news outlet. This decision was made after accusations that VOA had deviated from its original mission of promoting unbiased, factual reporting, and instead had been pushing divisive narratives. According to Fox News, the order directs the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the parent body overseeing VOA, to close its operations. This agency also manages other international broadcasters such as Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty.

Executive Order Details

The executive order issued by President Trump targets the non-statutory components and functions of several government entities, including the US Agency for Global Media. The order states that these agencies should reduce their statutory functions and the presence of associated personnel to the minimum required by law. The executive order reads, "The non-statutory components and functions of the following governmental entities shall be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law."

The move specifically singles out VOA for its alleged departure from its mission. A senior White House official was quoted as saying, “Voice of America has been out of step with America for years. It serves as the Voice for Radical America and has pushed divisive propaganda for years now.”

Criticism and Justification for the Executive Order

In response to the executive order, the US Agency for Global Media and its senior advisor, Kari Lake, criticized VOA and its operations. The agency issued a statement calling the VOA a "giant rot" and a "national security risk" to the country. It further claimed that while there were some talented and dedicated individuals within the agency, they were exceptions and that the broader agency had become ineffective and a burden to the American taxpayer.

Other Agencies Targeted by the Executive Order

The executive order does not only target VOA but also includes several other government entities for dismantling or restructuring. These include:

• The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
• The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (a part of the Smithsonian Institution)
• The Institute of Museum and Library Services
• The US Interagency Council on Homelessness
• The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund
• The Minority Business Development Agency

This move to dismantle or reduce the functions of these agencies is part of Trump’s broader agenda to eliminate wasteful government spending and reduce what he considers ineffective entities. The US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) is under particular scrutiny for its supposed failure to meet its goals and its financial impact on American taxpayers.

Implications of the Executive Order

The dismantling of the Voice of America and other related agencies could have significant implications on the dissemination of information, particularly in regions where VOA is seen as an essential source of news and democratic values. Voice of America has been a key broadcaster in regions with limited access to free press and has long been viewed as a cornerstone of US soft power around the world. The dismantling of these services is expected to draw both domestic and international reactions, particularly from those who see VOA as a critical part of the US's global influence.

This executive order has added fuel to ongoing debates about government control over media, with critics claiming that it signals a move to suppress dissenting voices and limit independent reporting. Whether this will result in long-term changes to US international broadcasting remains to be seen, but it is certain that it will reshape the landscape of government-funded media in the country.

The Current active IPO are Paradeep Parivahan, Divine Hira Jewellers.

The Closed IPOs are  Super Iron Foundry, PDP Shipping & Projects.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst