On March 14th, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dissolve "Voice of America" (VOA), claiming that for years it has broadcast radical news about the United States to numerous foreign countries with access to its programs. "Voice of America" began its operations in 1942, offering news broadcasts to countries that impose censorship on their local media coverage. Over the years, alongside other Western media outlets like the BBC, it became one of the most crucial sources of information globally, particularly for citizens of the former Soviet Union, communist countries in Eastern Europe, China, and North Korea.
However, these media services will no longer be available. This move, akin to abandoning the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), exemplifies the shift in U.S. policy, especially regarding its soft power and global influence. It is no surprise that decisions such as the elimination of "Voice of America" have been welcomed by U.S. competitors. In addition to such unilateral disengagements, which reduce America's global footprint, President Trump has decided to reduce American research institutions, believing they also focus on radical propaganda. These efforts and decisions have sparked angry reactions.
On March 31st, over 1,900 American scientists signed a letter published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to issue a "distress call" regarding President Trump's decisions concerning the downsizing and scope of American scientific institutions. The letter stated: "For over 80 years, the U.S. government's wise investments have built a scientific research sector envied by the world. It is astonishing that the Trump Administration is destabilizing this sector by cutting research funding, dismissing thousands of scientists, canceling public access to scientific data, and pressuring researchers to alter or abandon their work for ideological reasons."
Although the signatories of the letter come from diverse political backgrounds, they are united in their stance: "We are sending this appeal to issue a clear and explicit warning: the scientific institutions in the country are being destroyed." The letter points out that the Trump Administration is "blocking research in topics it deems unacceptable, such as climate change, or those providing results it dislikes in areas such as vaccine safety and economic trends."
Such directives may undermine American scientific superiority and reduce the incentive for foreign students to study in the U.S. and join its world-leading research and development institutions. These institutions have significantly contributed to scientific and engineering achievements over the past century, sharing these triumphs with the world as part of America's contribution to global scientific and technological advancement.
President Trump's approach to "reforming" American institutions by closing them or cutting federal funding has been one of the most contentious issues in the public debate surrounding the early days of the new administration. Nevertheless, the direct impact of these measures will be more apparent to those living outside the United States. American citizens who are not directly affected by cuts to universities and research centers may be more concerned about the impact of Trump's radical proposals for higher tariffs on foreign countries.
Most economists believe the immediate result will be increased prices for American consumers. If the American economy appears to be heading towards a recession, opposition to Trump will grow, potentially leading to challenges from within the Republican Party itself. Only then might Trump have to reconsider his most controversial and contentious plans, both domestically and internationally.