Many media outlets in Armenia face the choice: Survive at any cost or preserve editorial independence

Following the decision by the Trump administration to sharply cut U.S. foreign aid, programs run by USAID worldwide, including in Armenia, have begun to diminish. This has dealt a blow to independent media, educational platforms, and civil society initiatives. With Armenia’s fragile democracy, the consequences are expected to be particularly severe, Deutsche Welle reports, citing experts.

As noted, since 1992, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has played a significant role in developing civil society and independent media in Armenia. Over three decades, the United States has invested billions of dollars in democratic institutions and the country’s economic and social development. Support programs for independent media, designed to serve as sources of objective information, were well-organized.

Until 2025, dozens of millions of dollars have been allocated solely to the media sector through USAID and the U.S. embassy. However, starting from Donald Trump’s second term, a policy decision to massively cut foreign aid has led to the complete suspension or reduction of projects in Armenia.

The agency notes that before the 2026 parliamentary elections, the reduction of resources for independent media could have long-term consequences, as many outlets are facing a choice: survive at any cost or preserve editorial independence.

An additional challenge created by the situation is the potential increased influence of “opaque foreign sources.”

Meanwhile, despite the worsening crisis in the sector, Armenia improved its position by 9 spots in the latest ranking of the “World Press Freedom Index” by Reporters Without Borders in 2024, moving to 34th place among 180 countries. However, experts warn that without systemic support and sustainable financing models, this progress may be short-lived.