US embassies to cut key news subscriptions amid cost-saving efforts
The U.S. Department of State has instructed American embassies and consulates to cancel all newspaper subscriptions deemed "non-critical to the mission."
The Washington Post reported that the U.S. Department of State issued an order to cancel all subscriptions to news services and media considered "non-critical to the mission."
American embassies and consulates received an email explaining this move as an effort to reduce expenses. "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."
A Friday memo instructed procurement teams in embassies and consulates to prioritise terminating contracts specifically with six editorial offices: The Economist, The New York Times, Politico, Bloomberg News, Associated Press, and Reuters.
Employees concerned
An employee from the State Department contacted an American newspaper and expressed concern that this move would deprive embassies and consulates of the information they need to fulfil their missions. "This will endanger American lives overseas because we are being cut off from news sources that are needed on a daily basis," he commented.
A week before the order, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the government would cancel Politico's subscription contracts. Trump's allies, including Elon Musk, have criticised the editorial staff after platform X users highlighted government contracts regarding Politico Pro subscriptions.
The Trump administration also targeted the Associated Press for its decision to continue using the term "Gulf of Mexico" instead of "American Gulf." Since 11 February, AP journalists have been banned from attending White House events and from traveling with the president on Air Force One.
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