Sarah P. Rogers, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), pledged to intensify efforts to counter China’s expanding propaganda activities during a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday. Rogers emphasized that Asia would remain a key regional focus for the agency, which oversees outlets such as Voice of America (VOA) and funds Radio Free Asia.
Rogers outlined plans to broaden USAGM’s reach beyond traditional news formats by incorporating short-form videos, podcasts, and engagement through diaspora group chats. She described Chinese propaganda as “rapacious” and highlighted its use of automated and semi-automated social media accounts to spread disinformation, including narratives promoting leftist anti-colonialism and antisemitism. The agency also aims to strengthen its presence in Africa to counter China’s growing influence, while maintaining focus on regions like Cuba and the Middle East.
Rogers’s nomination follows a turbulent period for USAGM. Under the previous administration, the agency saw significant operational disruptions, including the placement of approximately 1,000 VOA employees on paid administrative leave and reductions in Chinese-language content from VOA and Radio Free Asia. Many of these changes stemmed from moves by former acting CEO Karl Lake, whose tenure was later ruled unlawful by a federal judge, invalidating many of her actions and leaving USAGM in a state of legal and operational uncertainty.
At the hearing, Rogers declined to comment on specific staffing decisions but expressed a clear commitment to rebuilding the agency. She also cited an estimate that China spends roughly $40 billion annually on propaganda and influence efforts—a figure that elicited surprise from Senator Ted Cruz, who called it “staggering.” Rogers did not disclose the source of this estimate. In contrast, previous US government statements have noted that China spends billions annually on foreign information operations, while independent research groups have placed the figure closer to $10 billion.
The hearing took place amid a broader context of shifting global perceptions. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that China was viewed more favorably than the United States among respondents across 37 countries. The Chinese government has consistently denied allegations that it conducts global propaganda campaigns. The Chinese embassy did not respond to requests for comment regarding Rogers’s statements.
If confirmed, Rogers will take charge of an agency grappling with legal challenges and operational setbacks while seeking to adapt its strategies to the evolving media landscape and intensifying geopolitical competition.