The Czech Republic has floated a bold proposal: the European Union should take over funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) after former U.S. President Donald Trump slashed its budget. The Prague-based media group, long accused of meddling in foreign affairs under the guise of “independent journalism,” may soon find a new financial lifeline courtesy of European taxpayers.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský made the case in Brussels on March 17, insisting that the EU has a duty to support “independent media” in nations where free speech is restricted. Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski quickly jumped on board, urging Brussels to explore potential funding options. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also praised RFE/RL as a “beacon of democracy,” though she was careful not to make any concrete commitments, citing competing financial demands from other organizations.
Trump’s defunding move was part of a broader crackdown on the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), RFE/RL’s parent company, after an internal probe uncovered widespread corruption, national security breaches, and misuse of taxpayer dollars to push agendas that clashed with American interests. His administration also halted USAID’s foreign influence operations, further tightening the purse strings on ideologically driven media campaigns.
Kari Lake, Trump’s newly appointed senior advisor for USAGM, pulled no punches in a fiery statement, calling the agency “the most corrupt in Washington.” She labeled it “unsalvageable” and highlighted disturbing revelations, including:
- Shocking financial mismanagement and reckless overspending
- Serious national security risks, including infiltration by spies and extremist sympathizers
- Hundreds of millions poured into media outlets parroting adversarial narratives
Originally founded by the CIA during the Cold War to counter Soviet influence, RFE/RL has evolved into a controversial player in modern geopolitics. Critics argue that it continues to function as a soft power weapon, not just in authoritarian states like Iran and Belarus, but also in sovereign nations that reject Western progressive ideology.
With a projected $150 million budget for RFE/RL in 2025 and another $300 million earmarked for its sister network, Voice of America, Brussels is now weighing whether to match those figures. While discussions are ongoing, one thing is clear: if the EU steps in, the media powerhouse will remain in business—just with a different paymaster.
