“President Donald Trump has frozen billions of dollars in international aid around the world, including over $ 268 million to support independent media. This is especially true of Ukraine, where 9 out of 10 publications were supported by USAID funds. This is stated in the report of the international organization “Reporters without borders” (RSF). USAID programs support independent media in more than 30”, – WRITE ON: ua.news
President Donald Trump has frozen billions of dollars in international aid around the world, including over $ 268 million to support independent media. This is especially true of Ukraine, where 9 out of 10 publications were supported by USAID funds.
This is stated in the report of the international organization “Reporters without borders” (RSF).
USAID programs support independent media in more than 30 countries, but it is difficult to estimate the full level of their impact on the media. Many of the organizations do not want to talk about what has happened, fearing to jeopardize long -term funding or succumb to political attacks. According to USAID for 2023, the agency financed training and provided support to 6200 journalists in the world, assisted 707 non -state media and supported 279 civil society organizations working to strengthen independent media. The external aid budget for 2025 included about $ 268 million.
Almost immediately after the cessation of assistance, many journalistic organizations around the world have contacted RSF, expressing their concern and confusion.
Both the large international NGOs that support independent media, such as the International Media Support Fund (IFPIM) and small media operating in repressive regimes in countries such as Iran and Russia.
“President Trump substantiated his decree, accusing the so -called” foreign assistance industry “in contradiction by American interests. The tragic irony is that this event will create a vacuum that can play propagandists and authoritarian states in hand, “reporters said” Reporters without borders “(RSF).
In Ukraine, nine in ten media depend on USAID funding, some publications have already announced their activities and are looking for alternative solutions. “Slidstvo.info was affected by 80% of the budget,” says Anna Babinets, director and co -founder of this independent investigative media.
The risk of suspension of funding is that it opens the door to other sources that can change the editorial line and the independence of these media.
Recall that Congress members from the Democratic Party opposed the initiative of the Donald Trump administration to reorganize the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and its accession to the State Department. They believe that this step may threaten the financing of international assistance programs, including billions of infusion into Ukraine’s development.
Almost all USAID (USAID) staff will go on administrative leave around the world. Within 30 days, these employees will be returned to the United States.
The group of former USAID Agency leaders (USAID) opposed the attempts by Donald Trump’s administration to eliminate the Office. In the statement, they called on Congress to promptly protect the authorized role of the agency.
All the inside and up-to-date information on our telegram channel, as well as bonuses and fast news.
