In a move that has sent shockwaves through media circles, the Trump administration has formally notified Congress of its intent to eliminate the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). This decision, revealed in a letter obtained by The Epoch Times, represents a significant restructuring of America’s international broadcasting efforts.

The letter, addressed to Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, states that President Trump issued an order in March mandating the elimination of “the non-statutory components and functions of [the USAGM] to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.” The directive further stipulates that the USAGM will reduce its “statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law.”

According to the letter, written by USAGM senior advisor Kari Lake, this plan has already received approval from top agency leadership, including General Counsel Royce Min, acting Chief Executive Officer Victor Morales, and Chief Financial Officer Roman Napoli. This dramatic downsizing raises serious questions about the future of American media outreach on the global stage and its potential impact on international information dissemination.

The implications of this decision are far-reaching and deserve careful consideration. The potential impact on international perceptions of American foreign policy and the future of independent media outlets operating under the USAGM umbrella remain to be seen. The move has already sparked considerable debate and analysis among political experts and media professionals alike.