Elon Musk proposes eliminating media outlets funded by the U.S. government.

Elon Musk, in his role as director of the Government Efficiency Department (DOGE) of the United States, has proposed eliminating media funded by the federal government, arguing that they represent an inefficient use of public resources and can serve as tools for state propaganda.

This stance aligns with recent actions by the government, which has decided to suspend million-dollar contracts with certain media outlets following criticisms from Musk and his allies regarding excessive spending.

In response to the comments from the U.S. president's special envoy for special missions, Richard Grenell, Musk wrote on X: "Yes, they need to be closed. Europe is free now (except for the suffocating bureaucracy). No one listens to them anymore. They are just radical leftists talking to themselves while burning a billion dollars a year of American taxpayers' money."

"Radio Free Europe and Voice of America are media outlets funded by American taxpayers. They are state-run media. These outlets are filled with far-left activists,” Grenell stated on February 9."

The special envoy had argued that he had "worked with these journalists for decades. They are a relic of the past. We do not need government-funded media".

This proposal is part of a series of measures initiated by Musk and President Donald Trump to reduce public spending and restructure various federal agencies.

Among the recent actions, the freezing of funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Office for Consumer Financial Protection stands out, as well as the consideration of cuts in the Department of Education and the Pentagon.

USAID was dismantled and integrated under the control of the Department of State, with the aim of aligning foreign aid with the national interests of the United States.

This decision has raised concerns among independent media and non-governmental organizations that relied on USAID funding to promote democracy and human rights in countries like Cuba.

The suspension of funds jeopardizes the continuity of these initiatives, limiting essential resources for their operation.

The Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who has taken on the role of acting administrator of USAID, has criticized the agency for not adequately promoting the national interests of the United States, accusing it of acting like a "global charity."

Rubio has emphasized the need to reevaluate and adjust foreign aid to align with U.S. foreign policy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Elon Musk's Proposal to Eliminate U.S. Government-Funded Media.