Trump's USAID Funding Freeze Threatens Global Independent Media, OCCRP Editor Warns

An interview with OCCRP editor-in-chief Miranda Patrucic details the abrupt suspension of USAID and related U.S. funding, leading to a 38% loss of OCCRP operational funds, layoffs of 40 staff, and major cuts to sub-grants across Europe. The discussion highlights the resulting strain on research and security training, severe impacts in countries including Hungary, Poland, Macedonia, Cyprus, and Ukraine, and concerns about a media vacuum that could invite manipulation, particularly around Ukraine’s elections.