Secretary of State Rubio Closes State Department’s Anti-Disinformation Office

42 posts • OpenAI (o1)

Updated Apr 16, 2025, 07:50 PM

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on April 16, 2025, the closure of the State Department's Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (CFIMI) office, formerly known as the Global Engagement Center (GEC). The CFIMI office was established to track and counter foreign disinformation campaigns from nations such as Russia, China, and Iran, as well as propaganda from terrorist organizations. Rubio stated that the office had overstepped its mandate by censoring American citizens and infringing upon free speech rights. He asserted that dismantling the office was necessary to protect free speech and end government-sponsored censorship. The closure involves laying off approximately 40 full-time employees and over 100 contractors. The office reportedly cost taxpayers over $50 million per year. Critics of the decision argue that eliminating the office weakens the United States' ability to combat foreign disinformation efforts, potentially allowing adversarial nations to interfere more effectively in domestic affairs. Rubio's action aligns with the Trump administration's stance on reducing what they describe as the 'censorship-industrial complex,' aiming to protect Americans' First Amendment rights.

More breaking stories on DeepNewz — updated live.

#Marco Rubio #CFIMI #Global Engagement Center #Russia #China #Iran #Rubio #American #United States #Trump #Americans #First Amendment

Related Prediction Markets

Who will Trump fire in first 100 days?

Will Trump create External Revenue Service in first 100 days?

Will TikTok be banned again before May?

•

View market suggestions→

Sources

thefederalist.com(4)technologyreview.com(3)aa.com.tr reclaimthenet.org

Anadolu English

@anadoluagency

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the closure of the State Department’s Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference office, formerly known as the Global Engagement Center https://t.co/MJV9wRIeZX https://t.co/hoo6UTVK7b

Rep. Bill Huizenga

@RepHuizenga

After leading a hearing last month to help expose the State Department’s Censorship-Industrial Complex under former President Biden, I applaud the Trump Administration and @SecRubio for officially closing the Global Engagement Center (GEC). This pervasive agency was weaponized https://t.co/HP7i437iiy