Archive · 26 May 2025
Trump's Shutdown of VOA Hits Turkey's Press Freedom Hard
Imagine a news company that tells people in different countries about the world.
In a country called Turkey, where the government controls most of the news, this company, Voice of America (VOA), was one of the few places people could get independent news.
But then, the US government decided to stop funding VOA.
This meant VOA had to stop broadcasting.
This is bad because it takes away one of the few news sources people in Turkey could trust, and it makes it harder for people to know what's happening in the world.
The US government's decision has led to job losses, and it's seen as another attack on the press, especially by people who want to control what others read.
The Trump administration shut down the US government-funded Voice of America (VOA) in mid-March.
VOA was often a rare source of uncensored news in Turkey, where press freedom is limited.
The Turkish government banned VOA's Turkish-language website in 2022.
Trump's decision resulted in layoffs and administrative leave for VOA staff.
Media rights groups say the shutdown harms press freedom, as Turkey's media is largely government-controlled.
- Who
- The Trump administration, VOA staff, Turkish citizens.
- What
- The US government-funded Voice of America (VOA) ceased operations due to funding cuts.
- When
- VOA stopped operations in mid-March
- Where
- Turkey, United States
- Why
- The US government under Trump defunded VOA and shut down operations, seen as part of a larger effort to curb independent media.
Supporters of a free press
The Trump administration
Freedom of the Press
Supporters of a free press
The shutdown of VOA is detrimental to press freedom. It deprives Turkish citizens of a reliable news source, and fits a broader pattern of attacks on independent journalism.
The Trump administration
The shutdown of VOA may be welcomed by the Turkish government.
Impact of Shutdown on Turkey
Supporters of a free press
VOA played a key role in giving the voice of Turkey's civil society movement and journalism community to the outside world, breaking the effects of isolation. This shutdown undermines freedom of expression.
The Trump administration
VOA was viewed as a threat by Turkey's ruling party.
- VOA Shutdown Date
- Mid-March
- VOA Audience (Worldwide)
- 354 million weekly
- Turkey's Press Freedom Rank
- 159th out of 180 countries
- Turkish Journalists in Prison
- 17
- VOA languages
- 49