Open Statement to the White House Regarding the Reinstatement of Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

The Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) – representing over 20 million Americans of Central and East European heritage – vehemently opposes the Trump administration’s move to dismantle the Voice of America (VOA) and its sister organizations, Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), as well as Radio Free Asia (RFA) and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB). The Trump administration has dismantled their parent organization, the United States Agency for Global Media, put all of its employees on leave, and ended their funding. This has effectively shut them down.  CEEC works to preserve democratic gains throughout Central and Eastern Europe and views VOA and RFE/RL as cornerstones in these efforts.

For decades, VOA, RFE/RL, RFA, and OCB have been vital sources of news and information for people around the globe. Their mission to provide unbiased and reliable reporting has fostered transparency, promoted democratic ideals, and supported basic human freedoms—values that are critical not just to the people of Central and Eastern Europe, but to individuals in every corner of the world.  They have positioned the USA as a global beacon of truth. 

Their broadcasts transcend borders and language barriers, helping to combat misinformation in general and propaganda against the USA. The dissemination of truthful information is paramount to ensuring our leadership, stability, fostering democratic development, and defending the rights of free expression. These efforts are especially significant in regions that have historically lacked independent media outlets.  Russian, Chinese, and other adversaries’ media are now rejoicing at the gutting of a major source of free and truthful information to their citizens, leaving a strategic void that allows them to broadcast only state-sponsored propaganda.

The CEEC supports the immediate restoration of funds and recall of all employees to the United States Agency for Global Media and its organizations. We call on Congress and the President to take all necessary steps to ensure their funding and continuation.

Alianta • American Hungarian Federation • American Latvian Association • Armenian Assembly of America • Belarusian-American Association • Washington Chapter Czechoslovak National Council of America • Estonian American National Council • Georgian Association in the USA • Hungarian American Coalition • Joint Baltic American National Committee • Lithuanian American Council • Lithuanian American Community • National Federation of Croatian Americans Cultural Foundation • Polish American Congress • Slovak League of America • Ukrainian Congress Committee of America • Ukrainian National Association

ceecadvocacy.org * ceecoalition@gmail.com