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Termination of the State Department's Global
Engagement Center
December 26, 2024
The legislative authority for the Department of State's Global Engagement Center (GEC), which carries
out activities to counter foreign disinformation and propaganda and coordinates related interagency
efforts, terminated on December 23, 2024. In 2024, Congress declined to enact several proposals to
extend the GEC's mandate prior to termination. The GEC has been the subject of criticism by some
Members of Congress for its connections to partner organizations accused of restricting free speech on
digital platforms in the United States.
GEC Authority and Mandate
In March 2016, President Barack Obama directed the Secretary of State to establish the GEC by executive
order. Similar to the structure and purpose of previous State Department efforts to counter support for
terrorism, the GEC was tasked with leading interagency efforts to carry out U.S.-government-sponsored
counterterrorism communications to foreign publics, with a GEC Coordinator reporting to the Secretary
through the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.
In December 2016, Congress enacted an establishing provision for the GEC in the FY2017 National
Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 114-328; 22 U.S.C. § 2656 note), which expanded the GEC's mandate
from countering terrorist messaging to counter[ing] foreign state and non-state propaganda and
disinformation efforts that threaten U.S. national security interests as well as the national security
interests of U.S. allied and partner countries. In 2018, Congress amended the provision to clarify and
strengthen GEC authorities, requiring the GEC to lead and direct interagency counter-extremist and
counter-propaganda communications as well as coordinate them.
GEC Operations and Activities
The GEC was led by a Special Envoy and Coordinator, who reported to the Under Secretary of State for
Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. The GEC coordinated its work with the U.S. interagency,
international partners, private sector, civil society, technology industry, and media networks. Operating
threat-based and functional teams covering a wide range of activities related to the Center's mission, the
Congressional Research Service
https://crsreports.congress.gov
IN12475
CRS INSIGHT
Prepared for Members and
Committees of Congress](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.crs/goveruo0001&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)