US Terminates Funding for Radio Free Asia and Other Media Outlets
Government Cutbacks
The US government has terminated federal grants funding Radio Free Asia and several other media outlets as part of government cutbacks. The decision was announced by the Trump administration on Saturday, which also placed over 1,300 Voice of America employees on leave.
Radio Free Asia’s Response
Radio Free Asia (RFA) has been broadcasting across Asia since 1996, providing multilingual reporters who serve as a rare source of reliable news in authoritarian countries. The outlet is wholly dependent on government grants for its operations. In response to the funding termination, RFA spokesperson Rohit Mahajan said the administration’s move was "unlawful" and that the outlet was pursuing legal action.
Furlough and Legal Challenge
The furlough from Friday will mainly affect US-based full-time staff, reducing the number of people working at the outlet from over 300 to about 75. RFA will prioritize exempting from the furlough staff with visas dependent on their employment status, especially those who could face persecution in their home countries. Furloughed staff will receive health care coverage at least through April.
Impact on Global Soft Power
US lawmakers and rights advocates say the funding cuts are a major blow to Washington’s hard-earned soft power globally, particularly at a time when China is expanding its sphere of influence. The cuts are part of an unprecedented push by Trump and billionaire Elon Musk to shrink the federal government, which they claim wastes US taxpayer money on causes that do not align with US interests.
Reactions
RFA’s CEO Bay Fang wrote a letter to Kari Lake, acting head of US agency for global media, stating that the move had "no basis in law or fact and violates the US Constitution, a litany of federal statutes and regulations, and the plain terms of RFA’s grant agreement." A copy of the letter was provided to Reuters.
The White House national security council spokesman Brian Hughes responded, "Our federal government is over US$36 trillion in debt and President Trump is committed to making our government more efficient. We are confident our reorganisation efforts will strengthen American diplomatic efforts abroad."
Conclusion
The termination of funding for Radio Free Asia and other media outlets is a significant blow to the US government’s global media presence. The move has been met with criticism from lawmakers and rights advocates, who argue that it undermines Washington’s soft power and allows for authoritarian countries to expand their influence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did the US government terminate funding for Radio Free Asia and other media outlets?
A: The funding was terminated as part of government cutbacks, which aim to reduce the federal government’s size and spending.
Q: How many employees were placed on leave?
A: Over 1,300 Voice of America employees were placed on leave.
Q: What is the impact of the funding cut on Radio Free Asia?
A: The funding cut will significantly reduce the number of people working at the outlet, from over 300 to about 75, and may ultimately lead to its demise.
Q: What is the reaction of the Trump administration to the criticism of the funding cut?
A: The White House national security council spokesman Brian Hughes said that the move is part of an effort to make the government more efficient and strengthen American diplomatic efforts abroad.