The closure of RFA has further contributed to the military coup’s crackdown on independent media in Myanmar22. The RFA Burmese-language service was shut down in May 2025 due to the funding cuts. VOA Burmese was also shut down after it announced a temporary suspension in March 202523, 24. Both outlets were crucial in providing independent information following the 2021 coup d’état, as they offered shortwave radio services in Burmese, which were a key source of information for people in areas where the junta imposes internet disruptions25. Min Aung Hlaing reportedly “thanked” Trump for stopping funding to the media outlets26. The junta leader was reported as saying, “Assessments influenced by one-sided misinformation and distorted narratives ultimately led to the imposition of economic sanctions on Myanmar.”27 VOA Burmese began in 1942 and ranked second in total weekly broadcast hours in 2024, with 182.25 hours—just behind VOA Tibetan—according to statistics from the #SAVEVOA campaign28. However, statistics from July 2025 show that its weekly broadcast hours had dropped to zero. RFA Burmese was established in 199729. At least 15 media outlets have had their licenses revoked since the 2021 coup, and 64 newsrooms have had to cover the country from exile30. The U.S. funding cuts have also negatively impacted the operations of these local outlets, including DVB, The Irrawaddy, Mizzima, and Narinjara News31. “Radio Free Asia Burmese-Language Service Closes Permanently; Myanmar Media Struggles with U.S. Funding Cuts.” DVB English, 10 May 2025, english.dvb.no/radio-free-asia-burmese-language-servicecloses-permanently-myanmar-media-struggle-with-us-funding-cuts. 23. Ibid. 24. “Suspension of VOA, RFA Burmese Services Deepens Information Void in Myanmar.” The Irrawaddy, 27 Mar. 2025, www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/suspension-of-voa-rfa-burmese-services-deepensinformation-void-in-myanmar.html. 25. Ibid. 26. Maung Kavi. “Myanmar Junta Chief Thanks Trump for Shutting Down VOA and RFA.” The Irrawaddy, 11 July 2025, www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-chief-thanks-trump-for-shuttingdown-voa-and-rfa.html. 27. Ibid. 28. “Measuring the Loss of VOA Around the World.” SaveVOA, 31 July 2025, savevoa.com/data/measuringthe-loss-of-voa-around-the-world.html. 29. “Suspension of VOA, RFA Burmese Services Deepens Information Void in Myanmar.” The Irrawaddy, 27 Mar. 2025, www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/suspension-of-voa-rfa-burmese-services-deepensinformation-void-in-myanmar.html. 30. “Myanmar Media Faces Severe Restrictions and Funding Challenges on World Press Freedom Day.” DVB English, 3 May 2025, english.dvb.no/myanmar-media-faces-severe-restrictions-and-fundingchallenges-on-world-press-freedom-day. 31. Ibid. 22. 14