Republicans Approve $643M for Trump-Opposed Media Agency/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Republicans in Congress approved $643 million in funding for the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), despite President Trump’s prior attempts to dismantle it. The funding passed as part of a broader national security bill, reflecting the GOP’s decision to prioritize legislative unity. Trump allies say the budget cut still aligns with his goals.
Trump Media Agency Funding Quick Looks
- Congress approves $643M for USAGM despite Trump’s past opposition
- Trump had ordered USAGM’s closure in early 2025, but courts blocked it
- Republicans say 25% funding cut reflects partial win for Trump
- Agency includes Voice of America and international broadcasting grants
- GOP lawmakers cite thin House majority as reason for compromise
- Kari Lake, a Trump ally, advised on funding details
- Democrats supported funding as part of bipartisan deal
- Trump expected to sign bill despite prior objections
Deep Look: Republicans Approve $643M for Trump-Opposed Media Agency
In a move that underscores the political balancing act within the Republican Party, Congress has passed a $643 million funding measure for the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), despite President Donald Trump’s longstanding push to shut the organization down.
The funding was included in the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Act (NSRP), a broader spending package approved by both chambers of Congress this week. While the decision goes against Trump’s earlier executive order targeting the agency, GOP lawmakers say the 25% budget cut to USAGM marks progress toward aligning with the president’s goals.
Trump’s Push to Close USAGM
At the start of his second term, President Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the USAGM — the parent agency of Voice of America (VOA) and other international broadcasting entities — arguing it had strayed from its mission and no longer reflected Republican values. However, federal courts ruled the administration lacked authority to override the agency’s congressionally approved budget.
Despite the court’s ruling, the Trump administration continued to press Congress to end USAGM’s funding altogether. That goal remained out of reach this week, as GOP lawmakers prioritized passing the larger national security spending bill over a potentially divisive internal battle.
Congressional Republicans Justify the Funding
Representative Mark Alford (R-Mo.), a key player in shaping the NSRP, said he worked closely with Kari Lake, a senior advisor at USAGM and a known Trump ally, to reduce the agency’s budget while keeping it operational.
“She seemed to me like we’re on the same team on this,” Alford said, referring to Lake’s role in discussions. “I’m hoping that we can do even more in the 2027 appropriations bill.”
Alford emphasized that the 25% budget cut sends a message that Republicans are taking steps in line with the president’s wishes while avoiding a government funding crisis.
Balancing Act Within a Thin GOP Majority
Representative Clay Higgins (R-La.), a member of the House Freedom Caucus, said he personally opposes any federal funding for USAGM, but voted in favor of the NSRP to avoid derailing essential legislation.
“I would prefer that the federal government funds zero,” Higgins said ahead of the vote. “But I’m not going to let something like that stop me from supporting the larger measure.”
Higgins acknowledged that the GOP’s razor-thin two-seat majority in the House leaves little room for internal divisions. The recent retirement of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and the unexpected death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa have further narrowed the Republican margin.
“We don’t have the luxury of just casually opposing our own bills,” Higgins said. “Our goal is to pass our legislation — especially when you’re faced with the alternative of a government shutdown.”
Democrats Support Bipartisan Compromise
Democratic Representative Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), when asked whether Democrats pushed to include the USAGM funding in the final package, said the deal reflected bipartisan negotiations.
“Some days you’re the bug, some days you’re the windshield,” Quigley said, emphasizing the fluid and transactional nature of congressional bargaining in the current political climate.
While Democrats didn’t disclose the specifics of their leverage, the funding aligns with long-standing Democratic support for international broadcasting and diplomacy.
USAGM’s Role and Controversy
The U.S. Agency for Global Media funds and oversees multiple initiatives aimed at delivering uncensored news and information to global audiences, particularly in authoritarian regimes. These include Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and other broadcast services targeting regions like the Middle East and Asia.
Trump has criticized the agency for harboring what he sees as anti-conservative bias and failing to promote U.S. interests abroad. However, officials within the agency — including Kari Lake — have argued for reform rather than dismantling, advocating a return to the agency’s original mission.
During a House Foreign Affairs hearing in 2025, Lake held up a photo of an empty Voice of America newsroom as symbolic of what she called “a broken system in need of realignment.”
Looking Ahead
Though President Trump previously attempted to eliminate USAGM, the White House has indicated that he is likely to sign the NSRP bill, which includes other critical defense and diplomatic priorities.
The GOP’s decision to include the agency’s reduced funding reflects a broader strategy to maintain party unity and avoid triggering a government shutdown — a politically risky scenario in an election year and with such narrow control in the House.
As Congress moves forward with the remaining spending bills for the fiscal year, Republicans will continue to face pressure to reconcile Trump’s agenda with legislative realities.
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