The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced on Wednesday the permanent closure of the Office of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference at the Department of State, previously known as the Global Engagement Center (GEC), arguing that its existence posed a threat to the freedom of speech of American citizens.
“Over the last decade, Americans have been defamed, fired, prosecuted, and even imprisoned simply for expressing their opinions. That ends today,” Rubio wrote in a statement posted on his official X account (formerly Twitter).
"I'm announcing the closure of the GEC, which cost taxpayers over 50 million dollars a year and was dedicated to silencing and censoring the very Americans it was supposed to serve," stated the secretary.
The closure occurs in a context where the new administration of Donald Trump and the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has announced the closure of several agencies, including USAID, and cuts across almost all state entities.
The Global Engagement Center was established in 2016 to coordinate international efforts against foreign propaganda, and in recent years, it has led initiatives such as the Ukraine Communications Group, a coalition based in Warsaw to combat Russian disinformation about the war in Ukraine.
However, the center has frequently been the target of criticism from Republican lawmakers, who accuse it of overstepping its mandate and acting as a tool of surveillance and censorship against conservative voices.
Last December, Congress, under Republican control, blocked the renewal of its funding.
Among the most prominent critics of the office is Elon Musk, who has described the GEC as "the worst censor of the U.S. government" and "a threat to our democracy."
Former officials of the GEC have defended their work, asserting that it was essential in confronting organized campaigns of disinformation from abroad, and they warned that its closure leaves the U.S. without a specialized mechanism to counter these threats for the first time in eight years.
In addition to the closure of the GEC, the State Department is expected to propose a drastic reduction of its global diplomatic reach by eliminating programs and closing embassies, in an effort to cut its budget by nearly 50%, according to reports from U.S. media.
Frequently asked questions about the closure of the Office of Disinformation and changes in U.S. foreign policy.
Why did Marco Rubio decide to close the Office of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference?
Marco Rubio closed the Office of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference because he believed it violated freedom of expression in the United States, in addition to representing a high cost of over 50 million dollars annually without adequately serving national interests. Rubio argued that the office was focused on censoring American citizens instead of protecting them.
What changes has the Trump administration implemented in agencies like USAID?
The administration of Donald Trump, under the direction of Marco Rubio, has permanently closed USAID and canceled 83% of its programs. This change aims to align foreign aid with national interests, eliminating initiatives deemed ineffective or harmful to the United States. The remaining programs will be managed more effectively by the Department of State.
How does the closure of the Global Engagement Center affect the fight against foreign disinformation?
The closure of the Global Engagement Center leaves the United States without a specialized mechanism to counter foreign disinformation for the first time in eight years. Although the office had been criticized by some Republican lawmakers for censoring conservative voices, former officials defend its work as essential for tackling organized disinformation campaigns, especially in contexts like the war in Ukraine.
What impact does the new foreign policy of the United States have on relations with Ukraine?
The new foreign policy of the United States has created tensions in relations with Ukraine, particularly due to the stance of conditioning financial and military aid. The Trump administration seeks to assess the consistency and effectiveness of aid programs, which has generated uncertainties about the future of support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
What is Elon Musk's stance on government-funded media in the U.S.?
Elon Musk proposes eliminating government-funded media in the U.S., as he considers them an inefficient use of public resources and tools of state propaganda. This stance aligns with recent actions by the government, which has suspended contracts with certain media outlets following criticism over excessive spending.
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