Trump Administration Shuts Down State Department’s Disinformation Monitoring Office

The Trump administration has shut down the Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (R/Fimi) office, formerly the Global Engagement Center (GEC), due to allegations of censorship and free speech violations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claims the office silenced conservative voices while costing taxpayers over $50 million annually. Critics, including former officials, warn this move jeopardizes US defenses against foreign disinformation efforts by nations like Russia and China. With its closure, the State Department lacks dedicated resources to counter misinformation, a growing threat to public discourse and national security.