February 11, 2025 – Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has called for the shutdown of U.S.-funded international broadcasters Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Voice of America (VOA). In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk responded to criticism of the organizations by former U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Richard Grenell, agreeing that they should be shut down.
Musk labeled the media outlets as “state-owned propaganda” and claimed that they serve as a platform for “far-left activists.” He further argued that the U.S. government was wasting taxpayer money by funding these media operations, which primarily broadcast to audiences in countries with limited press freedom.
“Just radical left crazy people talking to themselves while torching $1B/year of US taxpayer money,” Musk wrote. “Yes, shut them down.”
RFE/RL and VOA, both managed by the U.S. Agency for Global Media, were established to provide independent news and counter disinformation in regions where press freedom is under threat. Supporters of the broadcasters argue that they play a vital role in promoting democracy and providing accurate reporting to millions worldwide.
Musk’s remarks have ignited a heated debate over the role of government-funded media, with critics accusing him of undermining journalistic independence. Others, however, have echoed his concerns, questioning whether the U.S. should continue funding these institutions in the digital age.
Neither RFE/RL nor VOA has officially responded to Musk’s comments. However, U.S. officials have previously defended the broadcasters as essential tools in countering misinformation and promoting free speech globally.
