The United States has fallen two positions to 57th place among 180 nations, now trailing behind Sierra Leone, according to AFP reports. “The U.S. is now ranked 57th in the World Press Freedom Index, marking a decline for a nation that has traditionally upheld strong constitutional protections for press freedom and journalistic endeavors,” stated Thibaut Bruttin, Director General of RSF.
“Trump’s actions seem to target these areas, possibly aiming to establish a societal framework that promotes extensive freedom of expression while restricting press freedom.” RSF points to what it perceives as a systematic dismantling of media support systems. Bruttin highlighted Trump’s move to cut funding for USAID, the U.S. development agency that has historically been vital in supporting independent media in fragile democracies and conflict zones.
“USAID is now on the brink of extinction,” Bruttin remarked. “It has funded numerous media outlets in regions where press freedom is already at risk. The consequences of its elimination are far-reaching.” The report also expresses concern regarding the future of USAGM, the agency responsible for overseeing America’s international broadcasting entities, including Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Radio Free Asia.
With an annual budget of $800 million, USAGM is essential for providing independent news to audiences in authoritarian or crisis-affected areas, even exceeding the budgets of the BBC World Service, France Médias Monde, and Deutsche Welle.
