EU gives threatened US state press source USD6 million
(MENAFN) The European Union has stepped in to provide €5.5 million in emergency funding to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), a U.S.-backed media outlet facing a financial crisis following major funding cuts by the Trump administration. Often described as a legacy Cold War propaganda broadcaster, RFE/RL was initially funded by the CIA to promote Western narratives in the Soviet bloc and now operates under the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM).
President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order drastically reducing USAGM’s budget, effectively cutting most of RFE/RL’s funding. This decision was part of his broader effort to slash government spending and reevaluate agencies he believes no longer serve U.S. strategic interests.
On Tuesday, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the emergency grant, describing the funding as a “safety net” to help RFE/RL continue operating in areas of key interest to the EU, such as Russia, Belarus, Iran, and Central Asia. Kallas underscored the importance of “independent journalism” amid the proliferation of unfiltered content online. While acknowledging the EU cannot fully replace U.S. support, she urged member nations to contribute additional funds.
RFE/RL has responded to the defunding by furloughing employees, suspending programs, and initiating legal challenges. Although a court temporarily paused the funding cuts in April, a federal appeals court later blocked any disbursement while litigation continues. The outlet warns that without a resolution, it may be forced to shut down in multiple regions.
Trump officials argue that outlets like RFE/RL and Voice of America (VOA) have become obsolete and politically biased. Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), echoed those views on social media, calling for both media entities to be closed, stating, “Nobody listens to them anymore.”
RFE/RL’s president, Stephen Capus, pushed back against the criticism, labeling the funding cuts a “massive gift to America’s enemies.”
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