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State Department says secretary is being asked about funding cuts to U.S. grantee broadcasters; Global Engagement Center work to continue in new forms
Summary
Reporters asked about termination of funding to grantees like Voice of America and Radio Free Asia. Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said she has raised the issue with Secretary Rubio, described broad administrative reviews of spending, and said counter‑disinformation efforts will continue though organizational structures may change.
Reporters asked whether Secretary Marco Rubio would seek to restore funding for grantees such as Radio Free Asia and Voice of America after an announcement about termination of funds to some U.S. grantee broadcasters.
Tammy Bruce said she has "the question out to the secretary" and is following up. She framed the reviews as part of broader efforts by the administration to examine federal spending and reduce bureaucracy, describing a process that could change how work is organized while indicating that the United States will continue engagement to counter disinformation.
On the Global Engagement Center and U.S. efforts to counter state disinformation, Bruce said the underlying goals "haven't changed" and the work will continue, though she said the structure and housing of some entities could change as the administration reassesses programs and budgets. She directed reporters to the secretary for decisions about funding and said individuals with concerns about immigration consequences should consult the Department of Homeland Security and the asylum process when appropriate.
Bruce did not provide a timeline for any funding decisions or naming of officials responsible for changes to grantees; she said she expects follow-up answers from the secretary's office.
