The Global Engagement Center, a key division of the US State Department focused on countering foreign disinformation, is facing the possibility of closure by the end of this year. The center, whose powers are set to expire on December 23, could come to a halt without congressional approval, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
This situation poses a significant challenge to the new administration under President Donald Trump in its efforts to combat foreign propaganda, which intelligence agencies have noted intensified during the 2024 election, including the use of artificial intelligence.
Established in 2016, the Global Engagement Center evolved from a unit within the State Department focusing on combating terrorist propaganda to address disinformation efforts by other countries as well. The center relies on data support from the NSA for its operations.
Despite its mission, the center has faced criticism, with outspoken opponents like Elon Musk accusing it of overreach into social media content and censorship. Musk’s potential involvement in a government spending reduction commission could further impact the fate of the center. Additionally, some Republican members of Congress have alleged that the center funds organizations involved in domestic interference.
Conversely, some senators have advocated for extending the center’s mandate for another 7 years, albeit with strict budgetary constraints. They argue that the center is essential in countering Chinese influence, potentially opening up room for a compromise on its fate.
The Global Engagement Center has been instrumental in uncovering large-scale Chinese disinformation campaigns employing bots and internet trolls to shape public opinion. It has also exposed efforts to discredit Western humanitarian aid initiatives in Africa.
However, internal challenges have plagued the center, as highlighted in a 2022 State Department report citing coordination issues. In early 2023, the Biden administration sought to address these concerns by appointing James Rubin as the center’s director, fostering collaboration with the NSA. If Congress fails to reach a decision by year-end, the center may face closure, leading to a reallocation of its responsibilities among other State Department units.