Trump administration completes prisoner swap with Venezuela, frees 10 Americans
The Trump administration has completed a controversial prisoner swap with Venezuela, returning around 250 deported Venezuelans in exchange for 10 Amer...
Elon Musk has called for the shutdown of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Voice of America (VOA), arguing that the U.S.-funded media outlets serve as government propaganda tools and waste taxpayer money.
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has called for the closure of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Voice of America (VOA), denouncing them as U.S. state-controlled media that function as relics of Cold War-era influence campaigns. His remarks came in response to Richard Grenell, a former U.S. Special Envoy, who described these outlets as taxpayer-funded “state-owned media” dominated by “far-left activists.”
Musk agreed, replying, “Yes, shut them down.” He also claimed that these organisations drain $1 billion annually in public funds while serving U.S. government and intelligence interests. His comments have reignited debate over the role of these agencies and their impact on global information wars.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) was established in the Cold War as a CIA-backed project designed to broadcast anti-Soviet messaging into Eastern Europe. Initially run as a covert intelligence operation, it was later transferred to direct U.S. government funding through Congress and the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM). Today, RFE/RL broadcasts in 27 languages, primarily targeting Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.
Voice of America (VOA), founded in 1942, was created to promote U.S. messaging during World War II. Unlike RFE/RL, which focuses on ex-Soviet states and adversarial nations, VOA operates on a broader scale, delivering news in over 40 languages worldwide. It remains fully funded by U.S. Congress under USAGM, with an explicit mission to promote American perspectives abroad.
Both RFE/RL and VOA claim to operate independently, citing a “firewall” policy that legally prevents direct government interference. However, critics—including Musk—argue that these agencies remain key instruments of U.S. soft power, promoting narratives that align with CIA, NATO, and Washington’s geopolitical goals.
RFE/RL openly states that it receives 100% of its funding from the U.S. government, with oversight from USAGM, which also manages Radio Free Asia, Alhurra, and Radio Sawa. Its editorial independence has been repeatedly questioned, as it continues to push anti-Russian and anti-Chinese narratives, often reflecting broader U.S. foreign policy priorities.
Musk’s criticism underscores a growing distrust of state-backed media, as digital platforms and alternative outlets challenge the credibility of legacy broadcasters. The debate remains whether these organisations function as independent journalism outlets or strategic propaganda arms of Washington.
The world’s biggest dance music festival faces an unexpected setback as a fire destroys its main stage, prompting a last-minute response from organisers determined to keep the party alive in Boom, Belgium.
China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will send an upgraded ‘version 3.0’ free-trade agreement to their heads of government for approval in October, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday after regional talks in Kuala Lumpur.
Germany's export slump since 2021 is largely driven by deep-rooted competitiveness issues, the Bundesbank warned in its latest report, calling for urgent structural reforms.
Israeli researchers have unveiled an artificial intelligence tool that can determine a person’s true biological age from tiny DNA samples with remarkable precision.
Two Harry Potter actresses, Emma Watson and Zoe Wanamaker, have each received a six-month driving ban after separate speeding offences, both sentenced on the same day at a Buckinghamshire court.
North Korea has stopped foreign tourists from visiting its new Wonsan-Kalma resort just weeks after it welcomed the first Russian visitors.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Coca-Cola has agreed to use real cane sugar in the U.S., though the company has not confirmed the claim.
The Trump administration has completed a controversial prisoner swap with Venezuela, returning around 250 deported Venezuelans in exchange for 10 American detainees.
Congo and the M23 rebel group have agreed on a declaration of principles after months of Qatar-mediated talks, aiming to end fighting in the country’s east.
German authorities have arrested a Libyan man accused of overseeing torture and sexual abuse at a notorious prison in Tripoli, the International Criminal Court said on Friday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment