A Senate Republican is pushing for legislation aimed at preventing what he calls government-funded "propaganda" from reaching American citizens. Senator Mike Lee of Utah plans to introduce the Charlie Kirk Act, named after the late conservative activist, which seeks to restrict the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) from disseminating media content within the United States.
The USAGM, an arm of the State Department, oversees various media outlets, including radio programs, videos, and websites, intended for audiences outside the U.S. Senator Lee argues that until 2013, the Smith-Mundt Act prohibited the agency from targeting American citizens with such content.
What is the Smith-Mundt Act?
Originally designed during the Cold War to promote the U.S. image abroad, the Smith-Mundt Act was modified in 2012. This modification allowed materials produced by the USAGM to be made available to domestic audiences. Senator Lee's proposed Charlie Kirk Act aims to reinstate stricter regulations.
Key Provisions of the Charlie Kirk Act
- Prevents USAGM-produced media from being shown in the U.S. immediately.
- Imposes a 12-year embargo on the domestic release of such content.
- Prohibits the agency from using its media to influence American citizens.
According to Senator Lee, the legislation would restore safeguards that were in place before 2013. He believes Americans are capable of discerning the truth without government influence, echoing the principles championed by Charlie Kirk.
The proposed act has sparked debate, with supporters arguing that it protects Americans from potential government overreach and manipulation. Critics, however, may contend that it limits access to information and hinders the agency's ability to effectively communicate with global audiences in an increasingly interconnected world.