Elon Musk, as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has recently highlighted significant government expenditures on media subscriptions, particularly focusing on payments to outlets like Politico. Reports indicate that in fiscal year 2024, the U.S. government allocated over $8 million for Politico subscriptions, a figure Musk and President Donald Trump have criticized as wasteful spending. In response, the administration has initiated a pause on such media subscriptions, aiming to reduce unnecessary government expenses. 

This scrutiny has extended to international media funding as well. The Trump administration's suspension of most foreign aid, including USAID funding, has severely impacted independent media outlets in Eastern Europe. Organizations like Hungary's Atlatszo have reported financial strains due to the funding freeze, underscoring the challenges faced by media entities previously supported by U.S. aid. 

Musk has also publicly mocked the notion of "independent media" in regions like Russia and Ukraine, especially as these outlets face financial difficulties following the suspension of USAID funds. He has questioned their independence, suggesting that reliance on U.S. funding undermines their autonomy. 

These actions are part of a broader initiative by the Department of Government Efficiency to reassess and potentially reduce government spending on media organizations, both domestically and internationally. The administration argues that such funding may compromise media independence and represent an inefficient use of taxpayer dollars.