Democrats and liberal media figures are expressing concern over recent cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which could significantly impact independent journalism worldwide. The discussions were sparked by the Department of Government Efficiency’s decision to streamline operations and reduce funding for USAID, an agency that has historically supported media initiatives globally.
The panel on Fox News’ "Outnumbered" program highlighted the implications of these funding cuts, emphasizing the vital role that USAID plays in fostering independent journalism in various countries. Critics argue that the reduction in support could jeopardize the work of thousands of journalists and numerous news organizations that rely on this funding to operate.
Columbia Journalism Review (CJR) raised alarms about the potential fallout from these funding cuts, particularly noting that the freeze could hinder efforts to promote democracy and free press in regions where independent media is essential. The publication pointed to a staggering $268 million that was earmarked for independent media funding in 2025, now at risk due to the changes initiated by Elon Musk’s leadership at DOGE.
Musk has been vocal on social media, alleging that USAID has previously funded media outlets to disseminate propaganda. This assertion has fueled criticism from various quarters, with some left-leaning commentators labeling the agency’s media funding efforts as ineffective or even deceptive.
CJR acknowledged that while scrutiny of USAID’s funding practices is warranted, the abrupt cessation of financial support could have dire consequences for journalists operating in hostile environments. The organization underscored the importance of independent journalism in countering propaganda from authoritarian regimes, such as those in China and Russia.
The impact of these funding cuts is particularly pronounced in Ukraine, where nearly 90 percent of news organizations depend on USAID support. The editor-in-chief of the Kyiv Independent, Olga Rudenko, likened the situation to the detrimental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war with Russia, suggesting that the freeze has severely harmed independent media in the country.
Reports from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) indicate that the implications of the funding freeze extend beyond Ukraine, affecting journalists in Belarus, Cambodia, Iran, Moldova, and Myanmar. In these regions, the lack of financial support from USAID may exacerbate the challenges faced by independent media, which often operate under threat of retribution.
The freeze on USAID funding has sparked protests and raised alarm among advocates for press freedom, who argue that the U.S. government’s role as a major donor to independent media is crucial in promoting democracy and accountability globally. The agency has historically provided support to over 6,000 journalists and nearly 700 newsrooms across various countries, making its funding critical for sustaining independent reporting.
As the debate continues, the future of independent journalism hangs in the balance, with many calling for a reevaluation of the government’s approach to funding media initiatives. The potential consequences of these funding cuts could reshape the landscape of journalism around the world, particularly in regions where free press is already under threat.