China Praises Closure of Voice of America Amid U.S. Media Cuts

Chinese state media praise President Trump’s disbanding of Voice of America (VOA) and related news organizations, labelling VOA as biased. Critics warn that cuts could damage press freedom in the U.S. and internationally. Prominent lawmakers advocate for reform of U.S. government-funded media rather than its closure.

Chinese state media have expressed approval regarding President Donald Trump’s decision to disband Voice of America (VOA) and other U.S. government-funded news organizations that report on countries with authoritarian regimes. The editorial from the state-backed Global Times referred to VOA as a “lie factory” with a “poor record” on China-related reporting, specifically criticizing its coverage on topics such as human rights, the South China Sea, the coronavirus pandemic, and the Chinese economy.

The editorial further labeled VOA as a “frontline propaganda tool,” emphasizing that the Chinese Communist Party has long criticized these organizations for their negative portrayals of China. The Chinese Embassy in Washington declined to comment on what it deemed an “internal affair of the U.S.” but expressed a hope that media would report on China and U.S.-China relations objectively to foster mutual understanding.

An executive order from the Trump administration mandated significant cuts at the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees VOA and related news agencies, stating that these entities should minimize their functions to what is legally required. Efforts by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency are reported to have resulted in reductions of over 100,000 jobs in the federal civilian workforce.

Employees at VOA learned via email that they were placed on administrative leave. Critics from the Republican party have long asserted that VOA has a liberal bias. Trump previously accused the outlet of prioritizing the voices of America’s adversaries over those of American citizens, while Musk called for its shutdown, claiming it is no longer relevant.

Kari Lake was appointed by Trump as a senior adviser over USAGM, with the expectation of ensuring accurate representation of American values internationally. However, Lake’s recent supportive comments regarding the closure indicate a shift in her earlier stance during a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference, where she articulated the agency’s potential importance in combatting misinformation.

Currently, various lawmakers and advocates are warning that the dismantling of these news outlets could harm America’s global standing and threaten press freedom. Steve Capus, president of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, stated that silencing these platforms would empower America’s adversaries, undermining the role of free press in authoritarian regions. The Society of Professional Journalists echoed these concerns, marking the shutdown of VOA as a dark moment in the history of journalistic freedom.

Prominent Republicans, such as Rep. Don Bacon and Rep. Michael McCaul, have spoken in favor of retaining and reforming VOA and similar outlets, asserting their necessity in conveying America’s narrative globally. Brent Bozell III, a conservative media critic appointed by Trump to lead USAGM, awaits Senate confirmation for his new role.

The disbanding of the Voice of America by the Trump administration has garnered mixed reactions. While Chinese state media celebrate the move, many U.S. lawmakers and advocates for press freedom warn that this could undermine American global standing and journalistic integrity. Amidst proposals for cuts to U.S. government-funded media, prominent voices urge for reform rather than dissolution, emphasizing the importance of these outlets in maintaining a free and informed discourse.

Original Source: www.washingtonexaminer.com