Alhurra, the US government-funded Arabic-language network established in 2004, announced it would end broadcasts and lay off most staff after funding was cut by the Trump administration. Jeffrey Gedmin, CEO of Middle East Broadcasting Networks, criticized this decision, stating it undermines US media efforts in the Middle East and leaves a gap for adversaries. Despite reaching over 30 million viewers weekly, Alhurra will shift to digital updates with a significantly reduced staff due to fierce competition from outlets like Al-Jazeera and Al-Arabiya.