Trump Administration Shuts Down Key Disinformation Office at State Department

Thu Apr 24 2025 04:05:51 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Trump Administration Shuts Down Key Disinformation Office at State Department

Secretary of State Marco Rubio's controversial decision affects staff and ongoing efforts against foreign misinformation activities.


In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration under Secretary of State Marco Rubio has closed a crucial office dedicated to countering foreign disinformation, putting staff on leave and drawing criticism for the decision.

April 16, 2025, witnessed a pivotal move within the Trump administration as Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the closure of the Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Hub—a State Department office established to counteract disinformation campaigns from foreign entities like China, Russia, and Iran. This decision, said to have been in preparation for weeks, results in the paid leave of approximately 40 employees, with plans for their termination expected this spring.

In March, the State Department had already dismissed around 80 contractors linked to the office and terminated a substantial number of contracts associated with its initiatives. Historically, the office had published reports assessing disinformation activities from U.S. adversaries and terrorist organizations. However, Rubio and some Republican lawmakers have claimed that the office focused excessively on monitoring right-wing narratives, alleging a collaboration with social media platforms to suppress these views.

In a statement released the same day, Rubio criticized the preceding administration’s efforts, asserting that the millions spent had gone toward “silencing and censoring” American voices, although he failed to provide concrete evidence for this assertion. Former State Department official James P. Rubin, who oversaw the precursor office during the Biden administration, condemned the closure. He characterized the move as a dangerous retreat in the ongoing information warfare being waged by nations like Russia and China.

MORE ON THEME

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 23:29:08 GMT

**China's Strategic Advantages in the Ongoing Trade War with the US**

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 23:29:08 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 21:17:39 GMT

Trump's Ultimatum to Zelensky: Peace or Prolonged Conflict

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 21:17:39 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 20:14:15 GMT

Trump’s Trade Challenge: Navigating Global Negotiations Amid Tariff Chaos

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 20:14:15 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 19:06:05 GMT

**US Steps Up Diplomatic Efforts to Resolve Ukraine Conflict Amid Uncertain Prospects**

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 19:06:05 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 17:21:43 GMT

U.S. Advocates for Major Reforms at the I.M.F. and World Bank

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 17:21:43 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:47:22 GMT

Vance Warns US Will Withdraw If No Agreement Is Reached Between Ukraine and Russia

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:47:22 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:12:19 GMT

Lithuania's Capital Implements Evacuation Strategy Amidst Regional Tensions

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:12:19 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:01:40 GMT

US Pushes for Diplomatic Resolution to Ukraine Conflict, But Uncertainty Lingers

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:01:40 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 11:41:01 GMT

Musk Scales Back Doge Commitment as Tesla Profits Plummet

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 11:41:01 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 10:30:18 GMT

Diplomacy on Hold: UK-Russia-Ukraine Talks Stripped Down After Rubio's Withdrawal

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 10:30:18 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 10:28:32 GMT

Syria's New Leadership: Challenges and Geopolitical Tensions

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 10:28:32 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:54:15 GMT

**Nine Lives Lost in Drone Attack on Ukrainian Bus**

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:54:15 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:43:32 GMT

### Syria's New Leadership: Ahmed al-Shara Eyes Global Support

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:43:32 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:04:58 GMT

Trump Affirms Support for Fed Chair Jerome Powell Amid Interest Rate Critique

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:04:58 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:03:03 GMT

**Ceasefire Talks in London Experience Downgrade Amid Rising Tensions**

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:03:03 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 05:17:29 GMT

Global Economic Growth Faces Significant Downgrade Amid Trade War

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 05:17:29 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:52:28 GMT

**Inside China's Booming Cosmetic Surgery Industry: A Journey of Transformation and Risk**

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:52:28 GMT
Tue, 22 Apr 2025 22:01:53 GMT

# U.S.-Ukraine Cease-Fire Talks Hit Snags as Zelensky Rejects Key Proposal

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 22:01:53 GMT
Tue, 22 Apr 2025 21:22:31 GMT

Global Economic Forecast: Dark Clouds Ahead

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 21:22:31 GMT
Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:39:22 GMT

Large Explosion Rocks Russian Military Depot Near Moscow

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:39:22 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.