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Accusations of espionage, infiltration by terrorists, and corruption within the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) have unleashed an unprecedented crisis that directly affects Radio y TV Martí, as well as Voice of America and other media overseen by the agency.
In an official statement, Kari Lake, chief advisor of the USAGM appointed by former President Donald Trump, revealed that the agency is facing serious national security issues, which has led to a drastic reduction of its operations in compliance with the Trump Executive Order on reducing federal bureaucracy.
"Massive violations of national security, including spies and sympathizers and/or supporters of terrorists infiltrating the agency," Lake stated in his declaration.
Trump's advisor stated that USAGM has not only been the target of leaks of sensitive information, but has also allowed the infiltration of spies and individuals linked to terrorism within its structure.
According to their statements, these individuals have operated under the protection of the agency, which poses a serious threat to the national security of the U.S.
Lake was blunt in describing the situation within the USAGM as irreparable: "From top to bottom, this agency is an enormous wreck and a burden on the American taxpayer — a risk to the national security of this nation — and is irreparably dismantled," he stated.
In addition to the alleged security failures, the advisor highlighted other irregularities within the agency, including the improper use of public funds through contracts and agreements of questionable origin, as well as exorbitant expenses, such as a lease of nearly 250 million dollars for a building lacking broadcasting facilities, with a real estate broker benefiting by 9 million dollars.
It also denounced the diversion of hundreds of millions of dollars to media outlets that disseminate propaganda contrary to U.S. interests.
Lake argued that these problems, coupled with attempts by leftist activist groups to shield the agency from reforms, made its recovery impossible.
"It's just a fraction of what I found at the U.S. Agency for Global Media. No wonder it is called 'the most corrupt agency in Washington D.C., relatively speaking.' Because it is!" Lake declared on her X profile.
The restructuring of USAGM directly affects the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB), the entity that manages Radio y TV Martí, whose media outlets, aimed at the Cuban audience, have been left in limbo following the halt of the agency's operations, while the Trump administration decides its future.
"This is a significant step towards restoring the greatness of the United States and promoting freedom and democracy," the advisor concluded, assuring that the actions taken aim to ensure real and effective accountability within the agency.
In accordance with this directive, USAGM began to eliminate non-statutory components and functions, reducing its staff to the minimum required by law, and as a result, a large part of the personnel, including its subsidiaries, was placed on paid administrative leave starting last Saturday, until further notice.
The operations of Radio and TV Martí, which is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary on May 20, along with other media outlets, were halted as of this Saturday following the announcement of Trump's order.
Just over a week ago, the government efficiency team spearheaded by Elon Musk, known as DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), generated significant controversy by including the lease contract for the Radio and TV Martí headquarters in Miami among the supposedly "rescinded" agreements.
The cancellation of the lease contract for the Jorge Mas Canosa building, home to Radio y TV Martí, would result in savings of 5.32 million dollars, the DOGE portal specified at that time.
For her part, Karoline Leavitt, assistant to the president and press secretary of the White House, emphasized on the social media platform X the government's decision, stating that President Trump has ordered the dismantling of government-funded media that spread "propaganda."
With this statement, Leavitt supports the Trump administration's position to drastically reduce the scope of USAGM, noting that these media outlets have operated beyond their statutory functions and have used public funds to promote narratives that do not represent the interests of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Future of Radio and TV Martí and USAGM
Why are the operations of Radio and TV Martí being halted?
The operations of Radio and TV Martí have been halted due to the executive order signed by Donald Trump, which aims to reduce federal bureaucracy. The restructuring has impacted the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees Radio and TV Martí, creating uncertainty about the future of these broadcasts to Cuba.
What are the accusations against USAGM that have led to its reorganization?
The USAGM has been accused of massive national security violations, infiltration by spies and terrorists, and corruption. These accusations have led to a drastic restructuring of the agency, reducing its staff and non-statutory functions in compliance with Trump's order.
What role has Elon Musk played in the recent changes at USAGM?
Elon Musk, through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has proposed cuts to government-funded media as part of an effort to reduce public spending. Musk has been a key figure in the government efficiency agenda, supporting measures to eliminate contracts deemed unnecessary, including those related to Radio and TV Martí.
What is the impact of the restructuring of USAGM on the Office of Cuba Broadcasting?
The restructuring of USAGM has put the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, which manages Radio and TV Martí, in limbo. Operations have been halted, and the future of these media outlets aimed at the Cuban audience is awaiting a definitive decision from the Trump administration.
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