British News Group Upset After Elon Musk Cut $3.2 Million Annual U.S. Funding

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February 6, 2025
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LONDON — The BBC has expressed concern over the Trump administration’s decision to cut U.S. government funding in which it received $3.2 million from American taxpayers in 2024.

The funding, provided through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), was part of efforts to support independent journalism in countries lacking press freedom.

That money flow stopped this week under the direction of Trump and Elon Musk, head of the new Department of Government Efficiency, formerly the U.S. Digital Service.

The administration’s move is part of a broader pause in U.S. government funding for international development programs.

In a statement released Tuesday, BBC Media Action said the funding cut affects approximately 8% of its income for the 2023-2024 period. “A free press is essential to freedom and democracy – and 75% of countries around the world do not have a free press,” the organization stated. “Like many international development organizations, BBC Media Action has been affected by the temporary pause in US government funding.”

BBC Media Action, which operates separately from BBC News, relies entirely on donor contributions to support its work in developing nations. The group said it is working to minimize the impact on its partners and the communities it serves.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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