RFE/RL Sues Over Funding Cut
Photo: Rus.azattyk.org
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and its officials, Cary Lake and Victor Morales, Orda.kz reports.
The media corporation is challenging the termination of its federal grant, arguing that the decision violates U.S. federal law and the Constitution, which grants Congress exclusive authority over government funding.
This is not the time to give in to the propaganda and censorship of America's enemies. We believe that the law is on our side and that despots around the world are prematurely celebrating our demise,
Stephen Kapus, President of RFE/RL
The funding cut is part of a broader cost-cutting initiative by U.S. President Donald Trump. On March 14, he signed an executive order minimizing several federal agencies, including USAGM, which oversees:
- Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)
- Voice of America (VOA)
- Radio Free Asia (RFA)
Hundreds of employees at these outlets received notices of unpaid leave and had their office access revoked, forcing them to surrender work IDs and equipment.
RFE/RL is seeking a court order to block the funding cutoff, warning that its closure could leave millions across 23 countries without access to independent news.
EU Considering Alternative Funding for RFE/RL
Following the U.S. decision, European Union officials have begun discussing financial support to keep RFE/RL operational, particularly in regions where press freedom is restricted.
While no formal decision has been made, some EU policymakers argue that RFE/RL plays a critical role in countering disinformation and propaganda.
Original Author: Ruslan Loginov
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