Dismantling of U.S. Soft Power Tools

The U.S. built up soft power tools after WWII and during the Cold War, including Radio Free Europe and scholarships. The Trump administration is dismantling these institutions, leading to concerns about the U.S.'s global influence and understanding of the world.

Interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty President and CEO about Funding Cuts

NPR's Leila Fadel interviews Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty President and CEO Steve Capus about the future of the news outlet after funding cuts by the Trump administration.

Backlash and Fear of Shutdown at U.S.-Funded International Networks

Kari Lake, Trump's pick for Voice of America, is facing backlash and fear of shutdown due to Elon Musk's call to defund the agency. Musk's influence is causing job cuts and program slashes at U.S.-funded international networks like Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia. Lake, a former TV anchor, is set to lead the agency pending Senate confirmation. Musk's push aligns with his DOGE initiative and desire for a full shutdown of the networks.

Conviction of Alsu Kurmasheva in Russia

Russian court convicts Alsu Kurmasheva, a journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, of spreading false information about the Russian army, sentencing her to 6.5 years in prison. The U.S. government and her employer reject the charges, calling for her release. The case is seen as politically motivated, part of a trend targeting journalists critical of the Kremlin.