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.
Trump Administration Shuts Down Key Disinformation Office at State Department
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.
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.
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.
