Cuba celebrates US media funding cuts and reduced influence

Cuban state-run media welcomed the recent cuts to U.S.-funded news outlets that aimed to share independent news with the Cuban people. The cuts were ordered by former President Donald Trump as part of a broader reduction of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which has a large budget and oversees multiple news services. The affected services included the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, Radio Marti, and the online platform Noticias Marti. These outlets were known for providing news that contrasted with the state-controlled media in Cuba. Cuban news outlet Cubadebate described the programs as "failed and corrupt," celebrating the cuts. U.S. Representative Maria Elvira Salazar defended the outlets, stating they played a crucial role in countering Cuban government propaganda. She emphasized the need for the Cuban people to have access to uncensored information. Critics of the U.S. programs, including Kari Lake, nominated to lead Voice of America, labeled them ineffective and a burden on taxpayers. Randy Alonso from Cubadebate echoed this sentiment, calling the U.S. output "digital sludge." Despite the cuts, some officials voiced concern that this decision contradicts prior statements from the U.S. about enhancing efforts against the Cuban government. A State Department official noted the situation is complex, pointing out that tough decisions are part of managing federal programs. Historically, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting had justified its funding by claiming to provide objective news amid disinformation. However, past audits raised questions about the effectiveness and objectivity of its journalism, pointing to a lack of consensus among staff about their mission.