Trump Shuts Down Alhurra: A Shift in U.S. Media Strategy in the Middle East
The closure of the U.S.-funded Arabic-language channel raises questions about Washington’s evolving approach to media influence in the region.
Watan-In a decisive move, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to shut down the U.S.-funded Arabic-language channel Alhurra, which is fully financed by the U.S. Congress. The decision has sparked widespread debate regarding its reasons and implications. According to media reports, the final announcement is expected within hours after a meeting of the Middle East Broadcasting Network (MBN), which oversees other U.S. government-funded channels and radio stations, including Alhurra Iraq and Sawa.
Financial Pressures or Strategic Shift?
The closure of Alhurra is not entirely surprising, as the channel has faced repeated financial crises in recent years. Last September, it shut down its Iraq branch after its budget was cut by $20 million, leading to the dismissal of 160 employees—an indication of an impending crisis. The channel has played a significant role in U.S. media policy in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, where it has been accused of fueling sectarian tensions and promoting American agendas.
Internal Struggles Within the U.S. Administration
Just weeks ago, the U.S. Congress approved a new budget for the channel, giving employees a sense of security. However, that reassurance quickly crumbled after Kari Lake, a senior adviser to Trump at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), announced a freeze on funding and the channel’s permanent closure.
According to sources within the network, employees of the Middle East Broadcasting Network (MBN) received an email from management last Sunday stating that operations would continue until further notice. However, network director Jeff Gedmin indicated that the channel’s future ultimately depends on Trump’s final approval—something that now seems nearly impossible.
An Uncertain Fate for Hundreds of Employees
The decision to shut down Alhurra will have a direct impact on hundreds of employees, particularly Arab journalists who migrated to the U.S. under work contracts, only to find themselves suddenly at risk of losing their jobs. In Alhurra’s Beirut office, journalists are experiencing confusion and uncertainty about their future, amid reports suggesting that the channel’s offices may be completely shut down in the coming weeks.
Why Did Trump Shut Down Alhurra?
Some interpret this decision as part of Trump’s policy to cut U.S. government expenses and halt funding for international media outlets, as he views such channels as ineffective—especially given America’s waning influence in the Middle East. Others see the move as a reflection of Trump’s lack of interest in shaping pro-American Arab public opinion, favoring hard power over soft power.
Consequences of the Decision: What’s Next?
The closure of Alhurra comes at a time of significant unrest in the Middle East, with the region experiencing political turmoil, including escalating tensions in Sudan, Syria, and Palestine. This raises questions about whether the U.S. is abandoning its traditional media tools in favor of newer, cost-effective strategies, such as digital media or leveraging its regional allies for influence.
