The US State Department has closed its office, the Global Engagement Center, which dealt with misinformation and disinformation from Russia, China, and Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited restrictions on freedom of speech and wasteful spending as reasons for the closure. The center had been criticized by conservatives for calling out biased or untruthful media and online reports. Rubio argued that the office worked to silence and censor American voices. The center was established in 2016 and remained operational during Trump's presidency.