The Trump administration has approved the use of conservative media outlet One America News Network (OAN) on Voice of America (VOA) and related platforms, following the suspension of VOA operations due to funding cuts initiated by President Donald Trump.
VOA and similar agencies like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty had faced criticism from Trump for promoting a liberal-leaning news agenda. These actions have sparked ongoing legal battles. Kari Lake, acting as Trump’s representative at the U.S. Agency for Global Media, said she reached out to OAN after a suggestion from the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. OAN agreed to provide news content free of charge, which Lake described as a cost-saving measure for taxpayers.
OAN, a network known for its strong pro-Trump stance, has produced content like “100 Golden Days,” praising Trump’s early presidency. Its White House correspondent, Daniel Baldwin, has publicly lauded Trump in press briefings, earning praise directly from the former president.
While Charles Herring, OAN’s president, emphasized that VOA will decide how the network’s content is used, concerns have arisen over maintaining VOA’s legal obligation to deliver balanced journalism. Just before halting operations, VOA canceled contracts with reputable global news agencies like AP, Reuters, and AFP.
Steve Herman, a former longtime VOA correspondent, reminded that U.S. law prohibits VOA from becoming a mouthpiece for either political side. Although Kari Lake stated she has no editorial control over VOA programming, she maintained that offering OAN’s content gives broadcasters “reliable and credible options.”
