The United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has officially informed Congress about its decision to discontinue the Hungarian Language Service at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. This move signifies the end of U.S. taxpayer funding for content deemed controversial in a NATO member country.

In a formal communication, Acting USAGM CEO Kari Lake notified Mario Díaz-Balart, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs. This notification was made in accordance with section 7015(a) and under the guidelines of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for 2024, as extended by the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025.

The letter informed Congress that, after discussions with the Department of State, USAGM has decided to “terminate and cease funding the Hungarian Language Service at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), also known as Szabad Europa.”

According to the notification issued on Wednesday, the Administration believes that “the original reason for incorporating Szabad Europa into RFE/RL’s programming in 2019 does not serve U.S. national interests.” It was noted that the content “contradicted President Trump’s foreign policy by opposing Hungary’s elected Prime Minister, Viktor Orban.” The document emphasized that Orban is a key leader in Hungary, a committed U.S. ally, and a NATO member.

The notification also highlighted that U.S. taxpayer funds will no longer be used to create or distribute government-funded content to populations in NATO countries. It stated, “USAGM will cease using any U.S. taxpayer money to develop or distribute content to our NATO allies.” The focus will now shift to reallocating resources in alignment with Administration priorities, rather than on programming within allied nations that belong to NATO.

The notification also notes that USAGM, the Voice of America, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, and non-federal grantees that receive taxpayer funding “do not exist to serve the interests, policies, or agenda of the European Union or any other foreign government, federation, or international body, but rather exist solely to serve the American people,” and the Administration’s position is that ending the Hungarian service reflects that standard.