In the former Soviet Union, families like that of Pedro Spivakovsky-Gonzalez once huddled around radios to listen to Voice of America (VOA). Despite the government’s attempts to jam the signals, this U.S.-funded news service provided them a rare glimpse into life beyond the Iron Curtain before they immigrated to the United States in the 1970s. The broadcasts were seen as a beacon of freedom, offering hope and the possibility of a different world.
However, recent moves by President Donald Trump to reshape and reduce efforts promoting democracy abroad have raised concerns for American foreign policies built over decades. The Trump administration’s actions have significantly impacted the U.S. Agency for Global Media—responsible for overseeing VOA, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Free Asia—and restructured the State Department by cutting back on its global democracy efforts. The U.S. Agency for International Development, previously involved in initiatives to halt democratic decline worldwide, faces similar reductions. These changes indicate a withdrawal from the U.S.’s historical role of advocating for democratic values globally.
Experts warn that pulling back from supporting democratic initiatives overseas may leave a critical void and may contribute to a rise in anti-democratic tendencies worldwide. Staffan Lindberg, a political science expert, points out that the United States has long been at the forefront of spreading democracy, a position now in jeopardy.
Democracy promotion has been a cornerstone of American foreign policy to foster peace and stability globally, says David Salvo from the Alliance for Securing Democracy. Despite this longstanding commitment, early actions by the Trump administration targeted and cut funds for various programs across the State Department and USAID. These included initiatives launched during Joe Biden’s presidency aimed at strengthening democratic societies, and financial support for the National Endowment for Democracy was halted. Secretary of State Marco Rubio even announced plans to close a State Department office dedicated to cultivating democratic, stable societies.
The budget cuts have impacted organizations like the National Democratic Institute and U.S.-based nonprofits committed to empowering civil societies and strengthening democracies facing autocratic pressures. At a recent House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing, questions about the value of investing in global democracy programs were posed, highlighting their significance amid just 1.2% of the federal budget allocated to foreign aid in 2023, according to Pew Research Center.
Tom Malinowski, a former congressman, highlighted the issue of the current administration removing foundational support for promoting democracy while Uzra Zeya from Human Rights First expressed concern over the dismantling of democracy and human rights programs, noting potential long-term risks to U.S. security and prosperity.
For over eight decades, VOA and related outlets have successfully provided news to millions worldwide, serving as a pivotal resource during critical historical periods like World War II, the Cold War, and resisting censorship attempts by authoritarian regimes. However, VOA faced unprecedented challenges from within when the Trump administration effectively shut it down through an executive order.
People like Lisa Brakel, who relied on VOA to stay informed during her time in Kuwait, view the cuts with alarm. Such actions not only threaten freedom of information but could also encourage competitors like Russia and China, who are vying to influence global public opinion.
Repercussions extend to dismantling key outlets like Radio Free Asia, which provides the only independent Uyghur language news service and counters misinformation in Asia. The broadcaster’s president, Bay Fang, insists their mission to uphold truth remains essential amid growing authoritarian narratives.
Global democracy scholars like Barbara Wejnert emphasize the importance of expanding democratic ideas through media, particularly at times when government trust is waning. The reduction of U.S. efforts to promote democracy could potentially stifle progress made over the late 20th century in fostering global democratic governance.