Fact Check: Trump Demands to 'KILL' Voice of America, Calls it a 'LEFTWING DISASTER'
What We Know
Recently, former President Donald Trump made headlines by urging Congress to "kill" the Voice of America (VOA), labeling it a "TOTAL, LEFTWING DISASTER." This statement was made during a social media post where he questioned why Republicans would support an organization he described as a "Democrat mouthpiece" (New York Times). Trump's comments came amid a broader push by his administration to cut funding for federally funded news organizations, which he and his allies have accused of disseminating "anti-American" propaganda (BBC).
Kari Lake, a close ally of Trump and senior adviser at the U.S. Agency for Global Media, echoed these sentiments during a congressional hearing, calling for significant cuts to the VOA and other news organizations. She characterized the VOA as "corrupt" and "biased," and stated that it should be shut down rather than reformed (New York Times). Trump's administration has previously taken steps to dismantle the VOA, including an executive order that led to the suspension of operations and the layoff of a significant portion of its workforce (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that Trump demanded to "KILL" the Voice of America and referred to it as a "LEFTWING DISASTER" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Trump's direct quote, "It's a TOTAL, LEFTWING DISASTER — No Republican should vote for its survival. KILL IT!" is reported by both the New York Times and BBC, confirming the accuracy of the statement.
The context surrounding Trump's comments is also critical. His administration has been criticized for attempting to undermine independent media outlets, which are essential for providing unbiased news, especially in countries with limited press freedoms (BBC). The bipartisan concern expressed by lawmakers, including both Democrats and some Republicans, indicates that Trump's actions are viewed as potentially damaging to U.S. soft power and global media credibility (New York Times).
Kari Lake's remarks during the congressional hearing further illustrate the administration's stance on the VOA, where she called for its dismantling rather than reform, which aligns with Trump's rhetoric (New York Times). However, it's important to note that claims made by Lake regarding the VOA's alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party and security clearance issues have been disputed and lack substantiation (BBC).
Overall, the sources used in this analysis are reputable, including major news organizations like the New York Times and BBC, which are known for their journalistic standards. The direct quotes from Trump and Lake provide a clear basis for the claim, and the surrounding context reinforces its validity.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Trump demanded to "KILL" the Voice of America and called it a "LEFTWING DISASTER" is accurate. Trump's statements, supported by credible sources, reflect his administration's ongoing efforts to undermine federally funded media organizations that he perceives as biased against him. The bipartisan concerns raised during congressional hearings further validate the implications of Trump's rhetoric and actions regarding the VOA.
