Massive Layoffs Hit Voice of America and USAGM
On June 20, Kari Lake, Senior Advisor to the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), confirmed the termination of 639 employees at USAGM and its overseen outlet, Voice of America (VOA). This drastic reduction, representing an 85% cut in the workforce, aligns with an executive order signed by President Donald J. Trump on March 14, 2025, aimed at reducing federal bureaucracy. The layoffs have left the agency with fewer than 200 staff members, a sharp decline from its earlier count of around 1,400 at the start of the year.
Lake defended the decision, stating, 'American taxpayers have been forced to bankroll an agency that's been riddled with dysfunction, bias, and waste. That ends now.' The cuts are part of a broader initiative to scale back non-statutory functions at USAGM, reducing operations to the minimum required by law. This move has sparked significant controversy, with affected employees and legal challenges emerging in response to the sweeping changes.
Legal Battles and Policy Implications
The layoffs follow months of legal disputes and lobbying efforts since the executive order was issued. In March, six VOA journalists and a director at USAGM filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that efforts to downsize the network were unconstitutional. Despite these challenges, the administration pushed forward, with Lake overseeing the implementation of the workforce reduction.
Reports indicate that more than 500 contractors were also at risk of losing their jobs by June 30, as initially projected. Some employees, particularly those in specialized services like the Persian-language division, were briefly recalled due to ongoing Middle East conflicts but ultimately faced termination. The drastic reduction has raised concerns about the future of VOA's international broadcasting capabilities, which reach over 360 million listeners worldwide.
The policy to 'rightsize' the agency, as described by Lake, has been framed as a measure to prioritize taxpayer dollars over what some call redundant federal overreach. However, critics argue that this move undermines the mission of VOA to provide independent, fact-based journalism globally, especially in regions where free press is limited.
Public Reaction and Future Outlook
Public sentiment on social media platforms like X shows a polarized response to the layoffs. Supporters of the cuts praise the administration for addressing perceived waste and bias within USAGM, while opponents decry the loss of jobs and the potential impact on international journalism. The debate continues to unfold as affected employees and stakeholders assess their next steps.
As the dust settles from this significant reduction, questions remain about how VOA and USAGM will operate with such a diminished staff. The long-term effects on U.S.-funded global media outreach are yet to be fully realized, but the immediate impact on hundreds of workers and their families is undeniable. The administration's commitment to reducing federal bureaucracy appears steadfast, setting a precedent for potential further cuts across other agencies.