US State Department orders diplomatic posts to cancel media subscriptions
Photo of U.S. State Department logo on podium. (Photo AFP).
The U.S. State Department has reportedly directed its diplomatic posts worldwide to cancel all news and media subscriptions deemed “non-mission critical” in what is seen as another significant move by the Trump administration in ongoing changes to the structure of the U.S. government.
The directive, which aims to reduce government costs, was outlined in an email circulated to embassies and consulates earlier this month, according to the Washington Post.
The memo, dated Feb. 11, instructed foreign posts to immediately halt all media subscriptions—including newspapers, periodicals, and publications—that are not academic or professional journals. The State Department has yet to comment on the decision.
These cuts will impact subscriptions to major news outlets like The New York Times, Bloomberg, Reuters, The Economist, and the Associated Press. A follow-up memo, sent on Feb. 14, urged staff to prioritize the cancellation of such subscriptions, but individuals who wish to retain certain services can submit justifications.
