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Inspector General Warns Trump VOA Shutdown Weakens U.S. Democracy Support

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 3:50 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump attempted to shut down Voice of America, a U.S. government news outlet.
The State Department Inspector General warned the shutdown would weaken VOA’s ability to support U.S. interests and democracy.
Republicans said the cuts would enable China and Russia to spread disinformation.
Trump appointed election denier Kari Lake to lead U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), who then dismissed most VOA staff.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump attempted to shut down Voice of America, a U.S. government news outlet.
The State Department Inspector General warned the shutdown would weaken VOA’s ability to support U.S. interests and democracy.
Republicans said the cuts would enable China and Russia to spread disinformation.
Trump appointed election denier Kari Lake to lead U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), who then dismissed most VOA staff.