Trump's media cuts benefit China and Russia's influence

President Trump is moving to eliminate US-funded media, including the Voice of America (VOA). This decision may reduce the United States' influence in global media. Experts say that this shift could benefit countries like China and Russia, which are keen to promote their own narratives. Trump issued an executive order to cut nearly $1 billion from the US Agency for Global Media. As a result, many journalists at VOA and similar organizations face job losses. Former officials warn that weakening these media outlets could help adversaries like China and Russia, who are investing heavily in spreading disinformation. A 2022 study reported that China has expanded its media presence by offering low-cost content. While Chinese media is often state-controlled, Russia has challenged Western narratives through outlets like Sputnik. After the invasion of Ukraine, Russian media has targeted audiences in Africa. Experts suggest that shifting to Chinese media could lead to a very different kind of journalism, focused on pro-government content. Some argue that the quality of reporting will decline if the US pulls back its support for independent journalism in developing countries. Supporters of Trump's decision see US-funded media as outdated and inefficient. However, critics highlight the unique reporting capabilities these outlets provide, especially in regions with limited press freedom. They argue that cutting these resources will leave important stories untold while allowing adversarial narratives to flourish.