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In his order, Trump highlighted seven federal agencies that are being reduced in size. Among these is the United States Agency for Global Media that oversees Voice of America. It states that the US President saw these agencies as "unnecessary," USA Today reported.
'Anti-American propaganda'
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told the news outlet that Trump was delivering on his promise to make the US government "more efficient".She added that the taxpayers' money in the US should not be funding "anti-American propaganda in the name of journalism."
The US President is often seen calling out reports during his Question and Answer sessions - a tactic he utilised even during his maiden term.
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Writing for MSNBC, Steve Benen, a producer for The Rachel Maddow Show, highlighted how Trump asks a reporter, "who are you with" whenever he appears to be not happy with the question.
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A reporter from the Voice of America received similar treatment during an event at Oval Office last week.
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Why does it matter?
Trump had accused VOA of speaking for "America’s adversaries" and "not its citizens" during his first term.On Friday, the executive order from Trump directed VOA as well as an array of federal offices to “be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law,” The Washington Post reported.
In total, over 1,000 journalists have been placed on indefinite leave, while those who arrived at the office were locked out of the building.
Michael Abramowitz speaks up
Voice of America's director Michael Abramowitz claimed in a LinkedIn post that nearly the entire staff of more than 1,300 people, including journalists, producers and assistants at the VOA have been placed on administrative leave, including him."I am deeply saddened that for the first time in 83 years, the storied Voice of America is being silenced," he wrote.
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In a statement, the European Commission told Politico that these news outlets were a "beacon of truth, democracy, and hope for millions of people around the world”.
It added that the latest decision by the Trump administration "risks benefiting our common adversaries.”
Created in 1942, VOA broadcasts globally.
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FAQs
1. When did Donald Trump take the oath as the US President?
Trump's inauguration ceremony for the second term was held on January 20 this year.
2. How did Elon Musk target USAGM?
Earlier this month, the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) imposed a 30-day freeze to fund USAGM outlets, which includes VOA.
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