Elon Musk Urges Shutdown Of US-Funded Media Outlets, Radio Free Europe And Voice Of America

Musk made the remarks in response to a post on X/Twitter by Richard Grenell, the U.S. Special Envoy for Special Missions, who criticized the outlets as taxpayer-funded media filled with“far-left activists.”

“It's state-owned media,” Grenell wrote.“These outlets are a relic of the past. We don't need government-paid media outlets.”

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Voice of America (VOA) Also Operate in Afghanistan.

Grenell recently claimed that these media outlets are under the influence of“left-wing activists” and waste $1 billion annually of American taxpayers' money.

On Sunday, Musk agreed, posting,“Yes, shut them down.” He went on to claim that the organizations“are just radical left-wing crazy people talking to themselves while torching $1 billion a year of U.S. taxpayer money.”

Grenell, in his remarks, emphasized that Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty are government-funded media organizations supported by taxpayer money. He described these outlets as“relics of the past” and said,“We no longer need such government-funded media.”

Musk and Grenell's statements have sparked various reactions, particularly from supporters of free media who emphasize the importance of these outlets in promoting democracy and providing independent information.

Previously, Musk had also called for the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Elon Musk's statements reflect his ongoing criticism of U.S. government-funded media, questioning their efficiency and political biases. This latest call for shutting down prominent outlets like Radio Free Europe and Voice of America adds to his broader concerns about government spending and media control.

The reaction from these organizations remains to be seen, but Musk's comments are likely to spark debates on the role of government-funded media in promoting free speech versus advancing political agendas. As the situation unfolds, it will be interesting to observe how the public and lawmakers respond to his proposals.

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