In an interview with the Kabar news agency, Japarov commented on the billionaire’s stance, emphasizing the need to end what he described as the “wasteful spending” of American taxpayers’ money.
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk are billionaires who understand that money doesn’t fall from the sky,” Japarov stated. “They want to stop the meaningless expenditure of American funds, and they are absolutely right.”
According to Japarov, the role of traditional media outlets like RFE/RL has diminished in the digital age, where news spreads globally within minutes. He noted that while platforms like ‘Azattyk’ (RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz service) were once a primary news source, the rise of the internet and smartphones has reduced the public’s reliance on them.
“People no longer need ‘Azattyk’ for news,” he said.
Japarov also argued that the public has become more adept at distinguishing credible news from misinformation. He criticized RFE/RL for allegedly distorting facts and damaging reputations, claiming that when their reports are proven false, they are quietly removed after public backlash.
“For example, when ‘Azattyk’ spreads false or misleading information, people analyze it. Once they realize it’s untrue, they question why such disinformation is being published. In response, ‘Azattyk’ issues apologies and deletes the content. But when legal action is taken against them, they cry out that press freedom is under threat in Kyrgyzstan. How can that be? Is spreading falsehoods and manipulating news really freedom of speech?” Japarov questioned.
The Kyrgyz president emphasized the distinction between freedom of speech and unrestrained misinformation, urging people not to confuse them with human rights. He concluded by expressing support for Musk’s and Trump’s positions, stating that such decisions should be welcomed.
