US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to scale down the federally funded news outlet Voice of America (VOA), accusing it of spreading “radical propaganda.” The move is part of his broader plan to reduce the size of the federal government.

The order affects VOA’s parent agency, the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which also funds Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia. Employees were notified that funding for freelancers and international contractors had been halted, leaving VOA’s 1,300 staff on paid leave.

VOA, established in 1942 to counter wartime propaganda, reaches millions worldwide. Critics argue the decision undermines press freedom, with the National Press Club calling it a “threat to independent journalism.”

Elon Musk, a Trump adviser, has openly supported shutting down VOA. Additionally, the president has cut funds to agencies focused on homelessness, museums, and libraries.

Foreign leaders, including the Czech Republic’s Foreign Minister, are exploring ways to sustain Radio Free Europe’s operations. The decision has sparked concerns about the future of US-funded international broadcasting and its role in countering misinformation from adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran.