US aid cuts threaten independent media in Latin America

U.S. aid cuts are having a serious impact on media outlets in Latin America that expose government abuses in countries like Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These cuts began under President Donald Trump, who reduced funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and similar organizations. Although a judge later suggested these actions might be unconstitutional, concerns remain about media funding in 2025, which could affect $268 million aimed at independent media in 30 countries. Many media organizations in Latin America have had to lay off staff or even close down completely. The Trump administration also dismantled state-run American media outlets like Radio Y Television Marty and the Voice of America, which previously aimed to counter misinformation in countries such as Cuba. Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who sees critical journalists as "mercenaries" backed by Washington, has praised the funding cuts. State media in Cuba mainly control the narrative, while some independent digital platforms operate from abroad. José Nieves, from the Cuban news portal El Toque, expressed regret over the loss of funding, stating it would lead to a more misinformed public. In Nicaragua, the cuts have left journalists in a precarious situation. Carlos Herrera, co-founder of the news site Divergentes, described it as a "state of emergency" for the press, with many journalists leaving the country due to government repression. The situation is similarly dire in Venezuela, where the media has faced severe censorship. Many outlets have closed, and those still operating often rely on foreign funding amid fears of government retaliation. Activists warn that without U.S. support, independent journalism is in jeopardy across these countries. Journalists are struggling to report freely, leading to an "information blackout" that makes it harder for citizens to stay informed.