Trump Policy Condemned as “Unilateral Act of Disarmament” in Global Information War
The disbandment of a U.S. government entity focused on combating disinformation and terrorism has sparked significant outrage from various quarters. This decision, often framed within the broader context of national security, reflects a shift in how the Trump administration approaches global information warfare. Critics argue that it represents a significant retreat from proactive measures aimed at countering hostile influences, especially from state actors like Russia, China, and Iran.
Closing the Global Engagement Center
Recent news revealed that the United States has officially terminated its international efforts to counter disinformation campaigns that threaten democratic stability. This move primarily involves the cancellation of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with European countries, agreements that were intended to coordinate the response against malicious foreign propaganda. Such actions have raised eyebrows around the world, as three European officials disclosed to the Financial Times that Washington communicated its decision to withdraw from these agreements just last week.
The Role of the Global Engagement Center
The Global Engagement Center (GEC) was established during the Obama administration in 2016. Intended as a response to the challenges posed by disinformation and propaganda, the GEC was designed to coordinate U.S. governmental efforts aimed at delivering counter-Narrative messaging to foreign audiences. Initially focused on counterterrorism, its mandate was expanded by Congress in the FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act to include combating propaganda from both state actors like Russia and China and non-state actors that threatened U.S. national security.
By December 2024, the GEC had been officially shut down after congressional Republicans blocked the renewal of its mandate. Responsibility for its functions was briefly handed to a different State Department office, which was dissolved by the Trump administration in April 2025.
Concerns from Former GEC Officials
James Rubin, who led the GEC until its dissolution, has vocally condemned the termination of these international partnerships and the closure of the center itself. He characterized the move as a “unilateral act of disarmament” in the ongoing global information war. Rubin points out that the landscape of information warfare is constantly evolving, with threats intensified by advancements in artificial intelligence. He fears that the disbandment of such critical structures leaves the U.S. and its allies vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated foreign influence campaigns.
Documented Threats from Adversarial States
Throughout its operation, the GEC produced numerous reports highlighting the aggressive disinformation tactics employed by adversarial nations. For example, its assessments indicated that China was investing heavily in global disinformation efforts, while Russia utilized propaganda as a tool to undermine support for Ukraine and manipulate foreign elections. Additionally, in September 2024, the center deemed Kremlin-backed broadcaster RT a front for Russian intelligence operations in Moldova, reflecting the serious nature of threats stemming from Russian propaganda.
Political Controversy Surrounding the GEC
The center did not exist without controversy. Some Republican lawmakers accused it of exceeding its intended scope, alleging that it sometimes suppressed conservative viewpoints. This political divisiveness created a contentious backdrop against which the center operated. In defense of the decision to close the GEC, acting undersecretary of state for public diplomacy, Darren Beattie, echoed some of these criticisms, asserting that the center’s activities were misaligned with the administration’s emphasis on free speech.
However, Rubin and others have refuted these claims, asserting that the GEC’s mission was expressly focused on foreign audiences and that it never engaged in censorship of domestic viewpoints.
Impact on U.S. Allies and Global Security
The rescission of these agreements not only impacts U.S. operations but also leaves European and allied nations with diminished support frameworks to confront the escalating threats posed by hostile state propaganda. With adversarial countries ramping up their global influence operations, the decision to disengage from cooperative efforts in combating disinformation could have far-reaching consequences for both American and allied national security.
As the complexities of the global information war continue to evolve, the implications of this policy change remain to be fully understood. The landscape is rife with challenges, and the importance of coordinated efforts against disinformation campaigns cannot be understated.