In an Executive Order, The Trump Administration has shuttered many federal agencies including Voice of America (VOA). The VOA is a news platform that provides news, information and cultural programs to people around the world in more than forty languages, especially in countries where free press is highly restricted.
Established during World War II, VOA aired its first broadcast in 1942 with the words: “The news may be good or bad. We shall tell you the truth,” as part of efforts to counter Nazi propaganda. During the Cold War, successive US administrations effectively utilized the platform to promote American liberal values in authoritarian countries and counter the spread of communism through information and narrative-building. Over time, VOA evolved into a significant strategic and political tool for combating misinformation and disinformation globally while projecting American soft power. In the post-Cold War era, it became a cornerstone of the American liberal order, symbolizing the principles of free speech and press freedom.
The Trump Administration believes in the idea of America First, meaning that the US must pull back on the world stage and concentrate on its domestic issues
There are a mix of reasons why the VOA was targeted. First, the Trump administration is attempting to make sweeping cuts through federal agencies which do not align with the administration’s worldview. Second, some multilateral agencies, as conventional wisdom prevails in the far-right circles in the US, are burden on American taxpayers. Third, Republicans accuse the platform of being infected by left-wing propaganda and lacking factual credibility. Fourth, the Trump Administration believes in the idea of America First, meaning that the US must pull back on the world stage and concentrate on its domestic issues.
Regardless of the reason, dismantling a multinational broadcaster like VOA risks undermining America’s global credibility and weakening the international order it has long championed. Multilateralism, free speech, freedom of media and promulgation of American values such as individualism and inclusivity are at the core of the Liberal International Order. These values are equally important for the democratic process and economic interconnectivity that underpin American hegemony. These appealing ideas lead other nation-states to join the order and provide the needed legitimacy to function, and the proper functioning of which serves America’s long-term strategic and geopolitical objectives. Short-term populist decisions like shuttering VOA will undermine US long-term strategic objectives.
“The so called beacon of freedom, VOA, has now been discarded by its own government like a dirty rag”
The sudden shutdown of international broadcasters may also embolden authoritarian regimes across the world, especially China, which presents an alternative and distinct political system which Chinese portray as more effective than liberal values. In China, platforms like VOA were viewed as ‘anti-China’ propagating misinformation against Chinese values and challenging the legitimacy of the Chinese political system. Notably, The Global Times, under the auspices of the Chinese Communist Party’s flagship newspaper and the People’s Daily have declared the shutdown of VOA “The so called beacon of freedom, VOA, has now been discarded by its own government like a dirty rag”. Resultantly, China’s efforts to strengthen authoritarian regimes globally and promote its own worldview are likely to be perceived as increasingly appealing and legitimate, which can have serious implications for the American-led word order. The silencing of VOA reflects a broader retreat of democracy’s global outreach mechanisms, making space for authoritarian narratives to dominate international information flow.
Its silencing will come at the expanse of US influence, potentially facilitating the rise of Chinese soft power on the world stage
This development could also undermine the US soft power which has gained renewed significance amid China’s growing efforts to project a favorable global image. Beijing employs a range of tools to advance its soft power, including massive investments under Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the establishment of Confucius institutes and the expansion of state-controlled media outlets aimed at shaping international narratives. VOA, as a key instrument of US cultural diplomacy, historically served same purpose by promoting American ideals abroad. Its silencing will come at the expanse of US influence, potentially facilitating the rise of Chinese soft power on the world stage.
During the crisis of international political change, the synergy of attributes of domestic politics and international affairs carry a parallel link
Thus, at a time when global power landscape is witnessing significant shifts, new actors are emerging and fierce competition is underway, any domestic or international decision by major powers is likely to have considerable implications for global security and the relative position of the actor. During the crisis of international political change, the synergy of attributes of domestic politics and international affairs carry a parallel link, and any misjudgment, policy fallouts and strategic miscalculations can hinder the long-term national objectives. The muting of VOA is one such instance and many more are expected from the Trump Administration to come soon which can undermine the American stance on the world stage.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.
