The purpose of this article is to analyze recent developments in the field of the US international broadcasting (concerning both structural changes and leadership replacements) through the prism of crisis that threatens American public diplomacy. In order to achieve this goal author explores the notion of international broadcasting as well as the evolution of the respective American institutions. Through the historical perspective, the article identifies the events that had major impact on the development of the particular public diplomacy instrument. In addition, author studies the main methods applied in international broadcasting by the US for the achievement of public diplomacy goals, namely: promotion of the state’s positive image abroad and surrogate broadcasting in certain regions. Article argues that American public diplomacy has been experiencing the state of stagnation since the end of the 20th century, which brought it on the brink of crisis. In order to prove this hypothesis author applies principles of systemic and historical analysis, while also examining the results of public opinion studies conducted by BBC, Pew Research Center and European Council on Foreign Affairs. In the same context article analyzes changes that have been affecting the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) broadcasting both during B. Obama’s and D. Trump’s presidencies. Author sees those developments as a first phase of a complex and comprehensive reform that is intended to transform not only the system of international broadcasting but also the American public diplomacy in general. While article concludes that the decisions made by the US political leadership concerning the matter have been logical and consequent until this moment, it also expresses concern over the future of the reform. Because of the extent of the needed transformation and the fact that it requires a lot of time to be completed many factors may arise in the future and influence the final outcome.