BREAKING: Rubio Shuts Down Biden Admin's $65 Million 'Censorship Office'

In a decisive move to restore free speech, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the immediate closure of the Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference office (R-FIMI), previously known as the Global Engagement Center (GEC). This controversial department cost American taxpayers more than $50 million annually and was widely criticized for actively censoring Americans.

Rubio stated on X: "Over the last decade, Americans have been slandered, fired, charged, and even jailed for simply voicing their opinions. That ends today."

This significant step includes placing all 30 full-time R-FIMI staff members on immediate leave, eliminating all 50 full-time positions, and formally notifying Congress of the termination of the office and its $65 million budget.

The termination follows a Reduction In Force (RIF) procedure, designed explicitly to prevent bureaucratic maneuvering that previously allowed GEC's censorship activities to persist under new names. Acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Darren J. Beattie, alongside Rubio, had already terminated over 100 contractors last month, dismantling the extensive network of private sector and government censorship operatives.

Although the GEC was officially sunset by Congress last year, the Biden administration attempted to preserve its censorship apparatus under R-FIMI. Today's decisive action ensures this practice ends definitively.

Critics of government censorship have applauded this historic decision, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Americans' First Amendment rights from bureaucratic overreach.