Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department circulated an email memo to its embassies and consulates worldwide, announcing a directive to cancel subscriptions to several mainstream media outlets. This initiative, revealed by The Washington Post on Tuesday, aims to reduce federal government expenses. Among the targeted publications are the Economist, the New York Times, Politico, Bloomberg News, the Associated Press, and Reuters. The Guardian has submitted a request for comment regarding this development.
The directive, sent on February 11, has raised significant concerns among State Department employees and officials. A state department employee, speaking anonymously to The Washington Post, underscored the necessity of access to diverse news sources for embassy operations. The employee highlighted that the directive could hinder critical activities, such as assessing threats to U.S. national security and organizing diplomats' trips in high-risk areas.
"This will endanger American lives overseas because we are being cut off from news sources that are needed on a daily basis." – A state department employee
The February 11 memo instructed foreign posts to halt non-essential contracts and purchase orders for media subscriptions that are not academic or professional journals. This cost-cutting measure marks a significant shift in the information consumption practices within hundreds of U.S. diplomatic offices globally.
"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 11 February directive to foreign posts
Another memo, dated February 14, reiterated the emphasis on canceling subscriptions to mainstream media outlets. Critics view this move as an extraordinary step by the Trump administration to curtail normal information channels.
Despite the widespread implications of this decision, the State Department has not responded to requests for comment from The Washington Post. A department official, who also requested anonymity, expressed apprehension about the impact on embassy teams' ability to carry out their duties effectively.