🔴 Website 👉 https://u-s-news.com/
Telegram 👉 https://t.me/usnewscom_channel
Last week, DOGE dismantled USAID’s demolition derby style. The cheers and roars echoed as fragments of the agency splintered across the internet.
(Article republished from NetworkAffects.Substack.com)
However most of the scandalous grants that magnetised the attention of X users didn’t come as the result of any DOGE files, but from USASpending.gov, a government website publishing government grants and contracts online. A lot of dubious government funding was finally facing public scrutiny, but often the story seemed to be “look what we discovered” when much of the information has been online for years.
I may be wrong but I haven’t yet seen any new information that wasn’t already public, but I will very happily be corrected if there is.
In that sense, the story is in part a continuation of the “Where did all the journalists go?” saga. The data was there for years, and very few people were paying (or could get) the public’s attention. Of course, the new civic scrutiny is also to be welcomed with open arms and hopefully fosters a stronger push for more government transparency and citizen engagement.
At the same time, a lot of the story has become messy. Claims were made of USAID pumping hundreds of millions of dollars through an empty office in rural California belonging to media NGO Internews when Internews also has an office less than a mile from the Whitehouse. Or that Internews is “secretive”, whereas its grants are available online through USASpending and are often detailed through its website. Others suggested the nearly 500m USAID gave to Internews was to push the “woke agenda” – a small part likely was, but more was probably spent on a more Neocon style militarism through its activities in Afghanistan, Ukraine et al. Or that Internews is a subsidiary of USAID, when it gets its funds from other US government departments, as well as a host of corporations, private foundations, and European governments.
In the same vein, it was claimed that USAID ran a “common network” of anti-disinformation organisations when the site just hosts a listing of anti-disinformation groups.
I’ve worked with Internews, including at least once on a USAID-funded initiative, and know they can be highly problematic, though how problematic I only really understood once I worked on the Twitter Files.
EngageMedia, the Asia-Pacific NGO I used to lead, was contracted several times by Internews to run training on digital security for journalists, develop media training curriculum, and create web platforms. There was little to nothing that was “woke” about that work, my concerns were more about proximity to very non-woke hard power interests in Washington. More recently Internews has been rolling out a host of dubious anti-disinformation work and generally promoting that flawed rubric through the international media space.
I mention all this as the Internews/USAID story has been doing the X/Twitter rounds and I know Matt Taibbi is about to come out with a story that I am very keen to see.
I’m not defending Internews or USAID, scrutiny is overdue, but in the feeding frenzy, important nuances seemed to be passed over, sunk by the information war.
You could easily have gotten the impression the past week that USAID was the censorship high command, where it is just one important funder in a host of government departments and private philanthropies funding censorship activities.
My non-profit liber-net has produced a detailed white paper on what we think are the most important censorship nodes in the US federal government. It’s no demolition derby but holds a few insights nonetheless. The liber-net team has also been building a database of hundreds of dubious USG “anti-misinformation” grants, all built from public sources. We’ll be writing about what we’ve discovered over the next few weeks and beyond.
These are grants like the 9.3m USAID grant to the Pentagon-funded Zinc Networks to build societal resilience in the face of disinformation and propaganda campaigns in Georgia, which in the last few months has been facing down a Western-driven color revolution. Or 4.5m to Internews to do fact-checking and counter disinformation in Central Asia, or the $650,000 to FundaMedios in Ecuador who, among other things, run cover for Pfizer through dubious “fact-checks”.
USAID is better in the waste bin and demolition derbies are exciting, but nuance can get lost in the frenzy and targets missed as a result.
Read more at: NetworkAffects.Substack.com
RELATED REPORT:
President Trump GUTS Waste At 7 More Agencies, Including “Voice of America”
President Trump GUTS Waste At 7 More Agencies, Including “Voice of America”
When Kari Lake was appointed to run “Voice of America” I have to admit that was the first time I had ever heard of this agency.
And that’s been true for so many of these USAID-style programs and agencies.
They all ran very quietly in the background, with most Americans having no idea they even exist, meanwhile they burn millions and even billions of dollars every year.
And why?
For what?
Is there truly a big benefit to the American taxpayer to continue funding all of these operations?
Because the one common thread running through all of these programs is big money being distributed all over the world — basically anywhere else but America.
Goal #1 was to keep it under the radar so most Americans never even knew they existed.
But if/when discovered and scrutinized, as is happening now, the sales pitch is that we have to export all of this “good will” all over the world to make the world like us.
I know that sounds very tenuous and dubious, but that’s how they sell this.
Perhaps the reason other countries don’t like us is the fact that we are constantly invading other countries, interfering in foreign elections, and trying to act as the world’s policeman.
Perhaps we could stop all the foreign wars, bring our troops home, and then also stop all these propaganda programs at the same time?
Well, spoiler alert: that’s exactly what President Trump is attempting to do!
Here’s the latest from Voice of America director herself, Kari Lake:
BREAKING—The President has issued an Executive Order titled Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy. It affects USAGM and its outlets VOA and OCB.
If you are an employee of the agency please check your email immediately for more information. https://t.co/JmKMA0rp54
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) March 15, 2025
More here:
TRUMP ORDERS GUTTING OF 7 FEDERAL AGENCIES, INCLUDING VOICE OF AMERICA’S PARENT
Trump has signed an executive order to dismantle 7 federal agencies, cutting non-essential functions and slashing government size.
Targets include:
– U.S. Agency for Global Media (Voice of… https://t.co/ifDdXFIw1T pic.twitter.com/UQ7bR6RCXY
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 15, 2025
TRUMP ORDERS GUTTING OF 7 FEDERAL AGENCIES, INCLUDING VOICE OF AMERICA’S PARENTTRUMP ORDERS GUTTING OF 7 FEDERAL AGENCIES, INCLUDING VOICE OF AMERICA’S PARENT
Trump has signed an executive order to dismantle 7 federal agencies, cutting non-essential functions and slashing government size.
Targets include:
– U.S. Agency for Global Media (Voice of America, Radio Free Europe)
– Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service (labor dispute resolution)
– Institute of Museum & Library Services
– Minority Business Development Agency
– U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness
– Community Development Financial Institutions Fund
– Woodrow Wilson International Center for ScholarsAgency heads must submit plans within 7 days to comply. Trump and DOGE continue massive federal cuts, after 1,300+ Education Department layoffs.
Here’s the Fact Sheet from WhiteHouse.gov:
And by Executive Order:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose. This order continues the reduction in the elements of the Federal bureaucracy that the President has determined are unnecessary.
Sec. 2. Reducing the Scope of the Federal Bureaucracy.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the non-statutory components and functions of the following governmental entities shall be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law, and such entities shall reduce the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law:
(i) the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service;
(ii) the United States Agency for Global Media;
(iii) the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithsonian Institution;
(iv) the Institute of Museum and Library Services;
(v) the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness;
(vi) the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund; and
(vii) the Minority Business Development Agency.
(b) Within 7 days of the date of this order, the head of each governmental entity listed in subsection (a) of this section shall submit a report to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget confirming full compliance with this order and explaining which components or functions of the governmental entity, if any, are statutorily required and to what extent.
(c) In reviewing budget requests submitted by the governmental entities listed in subsection (a) of this section, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget or the head of any executive department or agency charged with reviewing grant requests by such entities shall, to the extent consistent with applicable law and except insofar as necessary to effectuate an expected termination, reject funding requests for such governmental entities to the extent they are inconsistent with this order.Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering “what is Voice of America anyway?”
Where do I watch their shows?
What kind of media do they produce?
I’m nearly 4-decades old, I don’t recall ever watching a “Voice of America” program in my entire life, how about you?
And yet we fund millions and billions for this every year!
So I did some digging and this is what I found out:
Voice of America (VOA) is the United States government’s international broadcasting service, established to provide accurate and objective news and cultural programming to audiences around the world. Below is an overview of its history, mission, key activities, and financial aspects:
Overview and History
Establishment:
VOA was founded in 1942 during World War II as a means of countering enemy propaganda. Its initial mission was to broadcast news and information in multiple languages to people living in territories occupied by or hostile to the United States.Cold War and Beyond:
During the Cold War, VOA expanded its reach dramatically. It became a key instrument of U.S. public diplomacy by offering news programs in dozens of languages, aiming to provide audiences behind the Iron Curtain and in other parts of the world with uncensored news and insights into American culture and values. Over time, as global media technology evolved, VOA also embraced television and digital platforms in addition to its traditional radio broadcasts.
Key Activities and Impact
Multimedia Broadcasting:
VOA produces radio, television, and online content. Its programming is available in over 40 languages and reaches an audience of millions globally. Its mix of news, cultural stories, and in-depth analyses has made it a reliable source for international audiences.Public Diplomacy and Soft Power:
By presenting U.S. perspectives on global events and offering content that adheres to high journalistic standards, VOA plays an important role in U.S. public diplomacy. Its efforts are aimed at promoting democratic values and the free flow of information in regions where independent media may be restricted.Adaptation to Digital Media:
Recognizing changes in how people consume news, VOA has increasingly focused on its online presence and social media channels. This adaptation has allowed it to reach younger audiences and maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Financial Aspects
Annual Budget:
As part of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), VOA’s funding comes from the U.S. government. In recent years, VOA’s operating budget has been estimated in the range of roughly $200–$250 million per year. This budget supports its extensive global operations, including production, technology upgrades, and staff across its numerous language services.Funding Purpose:
The budget is used to maintain high-quality, independent journalism, upgrade broadcasting technology, expand digital initiatives, and ensure that programming reaches a broad international audience. It is also reflective of the U.S. commitment to supporting free and independent media globally.
Additional Relevant Details
Governance and Independence:
Although VOA is funded by the U.S. government, it operates with a mandate to present balanced and objective news. Its editorial independence is protected by law to ensure that its content is not used for overt political propaganda, thereby bolstering its credibility among global audiences.Global Reach and Influence:
With broadcasts in multiple languages, VOA has been a key source of information in regions where press freedom is limited. Its long history of providing uncensored news has earned it respect worldwide, even as it sometimes faces challenges in countries that view its messaging with suspicion.Modern Challenges and Opportunities:
In today’s fast-paced digital era, VOA continues to innovate in how it reaches audiences—from traditional radio to streaming platforms and social media. This transition is critical as it strives to maintain its relevance and effectiveness in a competitive global media environment.
In summary, Voice of America stands as an enduring institution in international broadcasting. Established in the crucible of World War II and honed during the Cold War, it has evolved into a multifaceted media organization with a significant annual budget that supports its mission to inform, educate, and promote democratic values across the globe.
Sounds like a lot of gibberish, doesn’t it?
I’ve always found in life that when something can’t be explained simply and concisely, and it takes a ton of words to try and explain it but in the end you’re still confused about what you just read because it didn’t actually say anything of substance — that’s usually a great indication that something is wrong here, something is very, very wrong here.
So I followed up with this question:
“I’ve never heard of the “Voice of America” channel. What are some of the most popular shows it had produced? Where would I watch them? Give me specific examples.”
And I got this response:
While VOA isn’t organized like a typical cable network with a fixed lineup of shows, it has produced several distinct, branded programs and segments over the years. Here are some specific examples:
VOA Learning English Programs
- Let’s Learn English:
This is one of the best-known series under the VOA Learning English banner. It’s designed for non-native speakers and uses slow-paced, simplified English to explain current events and everyday topics. Episodes often include interviews, storytelling, and cultural insights.- Words and Their Stories:
This segment focuses on the origins and usage of English words, offering both language education and interesting cultural tidbits. It helps listeners understand the context and evolution of various terms.You can watch these programs directly on the VOA Learning English website or on their dedicated YouTube channel.
VOA News Programming
- VOA News:
Although it’s more of a news broadcast than a “show” in the entertainment sense, VOA News presents regular segments that cover global current events, U.S. news, and in-depth reports. These broadcasts often include a mix of hard news and feature stories.- Special Documentaries and Feature Reports:
Over the years, VOA has produced numerous documentary series and special reports—each focused on topics ranging from U.S. culture and politics to international affairs and human interest stories. While these don’t always carry a single, consistent title, many are identifiable by their in-depth investigative style and are featured on the VOA website.Language-Specific Programming
In addition to these flagship series, VOA operates dedicated channels in multiple languages (such as VOA Persian, VOA Arabic, and VOA Russian). Each channel produces its own tailored content—ranging from news to cultural programming—designed to meet the needs of its audience. These programs can be found on the corresponding sections of the VOA website and on platforms like YouTube.
How to Watch
Most of these programs are accessible online:
- Web: Visit the VOA or VOA Learning English websites.
- YouTube: VOA maintains active YouTube channels where many of these segments are posted.
- Satellite TV: In some regions, VOA’s TV content is available via satellite providers as part of their international news packages.
While VOA’s content is diverse and often integrated into broader news and educational programming, these specific examples—particularly from the VOA Learning English suite—are among the most popular and easily identifiable for new viewers.
So I followed up on more time and that was when ChatGPT refused to answer:
And that’s all you need to know folks!
This is a Guest Post from our friends over at WLTReport.