As President Trump signed an executive order gutting the U.S. Agency for Global Media — which runs Voice of America and Radio Free Europe-Radio Liberty — Washington is reportedly considering lifting sanctions on the Russian state-owned media outlet RT. That would be a mistake.

RT is a critical tool in Russia’s propaganda arsenal and, instead of easing pressure, the U.S. should launch an information offensive against Moscow.

Earlier this month, former RT America editor Ben Swann claimed that Trump would remove sanctions on RT, formerly known as Russia Today, “within two weeks’ time.” In an open letter published on social media, Swann praised Trump for moving at “warp speed” to protect freedom of speech. Speaking to RT, Swann expressed confidence that Trump “disagrees with these sanctions” and considers them “foolish.”

Swann’s reporting has not been corroborated by other media outlets, but regardless of its veracity, Trump should take heed of the dangers of sanctions relief. The Trump administration should protect free speech, but the Kremlin, through entities such as RT, takes advantage of America’s openness to disseminate propaganda and wage an information war.

Russian strategists and officials view information as a weapon rather than a medium for intellectual exchange or a competitive marketplace of ideas. Fifteen years ago, Russian........

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