Elon Musk commented on the suspension of funding for independent media in Ukraine and Russia, mocking their complaints about the suspension of support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In his social network X he shared headlined an article in The Washington Post that covered the issue, and posed a rhetorical question about how independent a media can be considered if it depends on foreign funding.
“Washington Post headline: ‘Independent media outlets in Russia and Ukraine lose funding due to USAID freeze.’
The headline should read: “U.S. State-Funded Media in Russia and Ukraine Lose Funding Due to USAID Freeze.” Musk wrote.
The discussion continued after a comment by one of the users suggested that the US was actually funding media around the world to promote an agenda that was beneficial to them. Musk answered briefly: “Yes, it is,” thereby supporting the thesis that information flows can be controlled through financial assistance.
This comment caused an active discussion among the followers of the billionaire, as well as in the media space. Some users agreed with Musk’s criticism, noting that media funding by foreign countries can influence their editorial policy. Others pointed out that such support was necessary for the existence of independent journalism in the conditions of Russian aggression against Ukraine and increased censorship in the Russian Federation.
We will remind, earlier it was reported that due to the freezing of USAID funding, some Ukrainian and Russian independent mass media were on the verge of closure, because a significant part of their activities depended on US grants. At the same time, the cessation of financial support has raised questions about the future sustainability of independent journalism in the region and its ability to continue without external assistance.
