The U.S. State Department has closed its Global Engagement Center (GEC), a division tasked with combating global disinformation, after its funding was removed from the approved temporary budget. Established in 2016, the GEC had an annual budget of $61 million and employed around 120 staff members.
“The State Department is consulting with Congress regarding next steps,” the U.S. foreign ministry said in a statement.
The center had faced long-standing criticism, particularly from Republican lawmakers, who accused it of engaging in censorship and surveillance of Americans. In 2023, entrepreneur Elon Musk also labeled the GEC as “a threat to our democracy.”
Despite these criticisms, GEC leadership defended its mission, asserting that its efforts were essential in countering foreign propaganda campaigns.
The closure marks the first time in eight years that the U.S. State Department will operate without a dedicated office focused on monitoring and addressing disinformation from adversarial nations.
