U.S. State Department cuts key media subscriptions abroad
The U.S. Department of State has ordered American embassies and consulates to cancel all newspaper subscriptions deemed "non-critical to the mission."
The Washington Post reported that the U.S. Department of State directed the cancellation of all subscriptions to news services and media considered "non-critical to the mission."
American embassies and consulates were informed via an email explaining the decision as an effort to reduce expenses. "Posts are asked to immediately place Stop Work Orders on all non-mission critical contracts/purchase orders for media subscriptions (publications, periodicals, and newspaper subscriptions) that are not academic or professional journals," the message reads.
On Friday, a memo instructed the procurement teams in embassies and consulates to prioritize terminating contracts specifically with six editorial offices: The Economist, The New York Times, Politico, Bloomberg News, Associated Press, and Reuters.
Employees concerned
One State Department employee who contacted an American newspaper expressed concern that this move will deprive embassies and consulates of information necessary to fulfil their mission. "This will endanger American lives overseas because we are being cut off from news sources that are needed on a daily basis," he said.
A week before the order, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the government would cancel subscription contracts with Politico. The editorial staff has been under criticism from Trump's allies, including Elon Musk, after users on platform X highlighted government contracts concerning Politico Pro subscriptions.
The Trump administration also targeted the Associated Press for the agency's decision to continue using the term Gulf of Mexico instead of American Gulf. AP journalists have been banned from attending White House events since February 11. They will also not be able to travel with the president on Air Force One.
