New to Pano? Start here

Apr 16th, 2025, 6:41 PM ET·Politics

Secretary of State Marco Rubio Closes R-FIMI Office Amid Accusations of Censorship

Marco Rubio shuts down the R-FIMI office, alleging censorship and waste, igniting debate over free speech and foreign disinformation strategies.


Last Update: 9:28 AM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the closure of the Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (R-FIMI) office, previously the Global Engagement Center (GEC). Rubio criticized it for squandering taxpayer money—over $50 million annually—on canard censorship. The GEC had already shut down in December 2024 under Biden after Congress declined to renew its mandate but rebranded to R-FIMI. Critics, including GOP lawmakers and figures like Elon Musk, argued that GEC was detrimental to free speech, while Democrats contended it was crucial to countering foreign disinformation. The shutdown continues the contentious debate over government influence in media.

Sources (9)

Compare coverage of this story from news outlets across the political spectrum.
  • Infowars
  • FOX News
  • Newsmax
  • Newsmax
  • Newsmax
  • Daily Signal
  • The Blaze
  • The Post Millennial
  • Boston Herald
  • The closure of the Global Engagement Center (GEC) is framed as a victory for free speech, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio claiming it was previously involved in silencing conservative voices and limiting free expression in the U.S.
  • Rubio alleges that GEC's rebranding to the Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (R-FIMI) was a deceptive tactic by the Biden administration to continue censorship practices under a new name, despite Congress sunseting its funding.
  • Critics assert that GEC abused its mandate to counter foreign misinformation by instead targeting domestic media outlets, violating the First Amendment and contributing to efforts to deplatform certain conservative publications.
State Dept Closing Office Aimed at Countering Foreign Disinformation
NewsmaxNewsmax·1M·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…The GEC had come under intense criticism from some Republicans who said it was straying from its mission, accusing it of disfavoring opinions by conservative media in particular."

State Dept Closing Office Aimed at Countering Foreign Disinformation
NewsmaxNewsmax·1M·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…The GEC had come under intense criticism from some Republicans who said it was straying from its mission, accusing it of disfavoring opinions by conservative media in particular."

State Dept Closing Office Aimed at Countering Foreign Disinformation
NewsmaxNewsmax·1M·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…The GEC had come under intense criticism from some Republicans who said it was straying from its mission, accusing it of disfavoring opinions by conservative media in particular."

Marco Rubio announces end of rebranded Global Engagement Center
The Post MillennialThe Post Millennial·1M·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…The GEC became the Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (R-FIMI) office, with the same roster of employees."

FAQ

A list of follow-up questions readers often ask about this story.

History

A summary of how this story has evolved over the last 24 hours.

  • 1M
Secretary of State Marco Rubio Closes R-FIMI Office Amid Accusations of Censorship - Pano News