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.
Indian authorities have ordered a magisterial inquiry and promised financial support after a fire tore through the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Ar...
Kremenchuk, an industrial centre on the Dnipro River, was struck again as Russian forces targeted facilities across the city during the night....
More than 60 Indigenous artifacts held in the Vatican for 100 years, including a rare Inuit kayak, arrived in Montreal, where First Nation, Métis and...
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth defends follow-up strike on suspected drug boat in the Caribbean, denies authorizing the killing of all onboard, an...
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Saturday that preparations are under way for a substantial business mission to Moscow, describing the vi...
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth defends follow-up strike on suspected drug boat in the Caribbean, denies authorizing the killing of all onboard, and comments on protocols for military operations.
FIFA releases the 2026 World Cup schedule with match dates, venues, and key fixtures. See when host nations USA, Mexico, and Canada play and get an overview of group stage and knockout rounds.
‘We will continue to do everything we can to ensure that the peace plan for Gaza is put into action as soon as possible and that this humanitarian tragedy comes to an end,’ Turkish top diplomat Fidan tells Anadolu
A giant Christmas tree adorned with red and gold baubles stands in the West Bank city of Bethlehem for the first time since 2022.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., has finalized the group stage for the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, setting the schedule and matchups for next summer’s expanded 48-team event.
FIFA releases the 2026 World Cup schedule with match dates, venues, and key fixtures. See when host nations USA, Mexico, and Canada play and get an overview of group stage and knockout rounds.
Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged heavy fire along their shared border late on Friday, a reminder of how sensitive the frontier remains despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for its support of the claims by United Arab Emirates on three Iranian islands.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping accompanied French President Emmanuel Macron to Chengdu on Friday, a rare gesture seemingly reserved for the head of Europe's second-largest economy that highlights Beijing's focus on Paris in its ties with the European Union.
Indian authorities have ordered a magisterial inquiry and promised financial support after a fire tore through the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, killing 25 people.
More than 60 Indigenous artifacts held in the Vatican for 100 years, including a rare Inuit kayak, arrived in Montreal, where First Nation, Métis and Inuvialuit leaders welcomed them home with ceremony, song and emotion.
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth defends follow-up strike on suspected drug boat in the Caribbean, denies authorizing the killing of all onboard, and comments on protocols for military operations.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Saturday that preparations are under way for a substantial business mission to Moscow, describing the visit as an exclusively economic engagement.
Eighteen migrants drowned when their boat overturned 26 miles (40 km) south of the Greek island of Chrysi, after a Turkish cargo ship spotted the vessel and alerted Greek authorities.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment