A Looming Betrayal: Trump’s USAGM Cuts Threaten Journalists’ Lives
Former President Donald Trump has criticized the chaotic withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan under President Joe Biden, branding it a "shame." However, Trump’s own actions now threaten a similar, potentially even more devastating scenario, one that could lead to the betrayal of individuals who risked their lives to support American interests.
While Trump has recently expressed concern over the fate of dogs left behind during the Afghanistan withdrawal, a far graver situation is unfolding, driven by his administration’s apparent determination to dismantle news outlets operated by the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). This move raises the specter of the United States abandoning not only its ideals but also the individuals who bravely served its mission abroad, potentially delivering them into the hands of oppressive regimes.
USAGM oversees vital media organizations such as the Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), and Radio Free Asia (RFA). These outlets employ numerous foreign-born journalists who courageously disseminate information in their native languages to countries where free press is suppressed. These journalists serve as a crucial bridge, conveying American values and providing objective reporting to audiences deprived of unbiased news.
However, these journalists now face imminent danger. Many are in the United States on work visas, and with the potential closure of USAGM outlets, they risk deportation back to their home countries. These countries, including Afghanistan, Belarus, China, Cambodia, Iran, Russia, and Vietnam, are notorious for their repression of journalists and their abysmal records on press freedom. Returning to these nations could expose these journalists to persecution, imprisonment, torture, and even death.
The risks these journalists face are not theoretical. Authoritarian regimes have already branded some USAGM reporters as terrorists, while others have outstanding warrants for their arrests. The consequences for these individuals could be dire, as exemplified by the case of Alsu Kurmasheva, a Prague-based Radio Free Europe reporter who was arrested in Russia and sentenced to six years in prison on espionage charges. It took high-level diplomacy and a prisoner swap to secure her release.
Furthermore, numerous USAGM journalists are currently imprisoned in countries such as Azerbaijan, Belarus, Myanmar, Russia, and Vietnam, according to Reporters Without Borders. The potential dismantling of USAGM raises the critical question: Who will advocate for their freedom if their employers cease to exist?
The motivation behind Trump’s hostility towards these broadcasters remains unclear. These outlets have proven to be effective tools in countering propaganda from adversaries like Russia and China. The Voice of America and its sister organizations embody American values, championing the right to free and honest expression, even when it involves delivering uncomfortable truths to those in power.
The dedication of these broadcasters to truth and accuracy has significantly bolstered the credibility of American media organizations and the nation as a whole. Individuals in countries lacking freedom of expression are often impressed by the fact that the U.S. government supports media outlets that report news critical of the government itself and disseminate information that the government might prefer to keep hidden.
As Voice of America declared in its inaugural broadcast in 1942, "Daily at this time, we shall speak to you about America and the war. The news may be good, or bad. We shall tell you the truth." This commitment to truth has been the cornerstone of USAGM’s mission.
The current situation unfolds during Sunshine Week, an annual celebration of government transparency. It would be tragic if this year’s observance marked the beginning of the end of this vital tradition.
Ultimately, Congress should determine whether these agencies, authorized and funded for decades, should be shuttered. However, lawmakers and the president must ensure that cost-cutting efforts do not result in the betrayal of individuals who placed their trust in the United States. The lives and well-being of these journalists hang in the balance, and their fate will serve as a stark reflection of America’s commitment to its values and its allies. The implications of abandoning these journalists extend far beyond budgetary concerns, touching upon the very essence of American credibility and moral standing on the world stage.
