In a significant move that has generated widespread controversy, nearly all staff members of Voice of America (VOA) have been placed on administrative leave. This decision comes after United States President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at drastically reducing the size of government-run news agencies. The order, issued on Friday night, is part of an initiative titled “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy” and directly impacts the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA as well as other media outlets such as Radio Free Europe, Radio Free Asia, and Radio Marti, which provides Spanish-language news to Cuba.
The decision to gut the government-funded news agency has drawn sharp criticism from press advocacy groups. Reporters Without Borders condemned the executive order, asserting that it “threatens press freedom worldwide and negates 80 years of American history in supporting a free flow of information.” This backlash highlights the potential implications for media independence and the historical role of VOA in promoting democracy and free expression.
The executive order comes amid ongoing accusations from some Republicans who claim that publicly funded media outlets exhibit bias against conservative viewpoints. In a statement released by the White House, the administration emphasized that Trump's executive orders “will ensure that taxpayers are no longer on the hook for radical propaganda.” This statement included various criticisms of VOA, particularly allegations of left-wing bias.
In a social media post on X, Kari Lake, a US Senate candidate and a senior adviser to the agency, advised employees to check their emails, hinting at the impending changes. Michael Abramowitz, the director of Voice of America, revealed in a LinkedIn post that virtually all of his staff, comprising around 1,300 journalists, producers, and assistants, had been placed on leave, including himself. Abramowitz expressed his dismay, stating, “I am deeply saddened that for the first time in 83 years, the storied Voice of America is being silenced.” He emphasized the agency's commitment to promoting freedom and democracy globally by providing balanced and objective news, especially for those living under oppressive regimes.
Founded in 1942 as a counter to Nazi propaganda, VOA has an extensive reach, connecting with approximately 360 million people weekly and broadcasting in nearly 50 languages. The agency has played a crucial role in informing global audiences about American values and perspectives.
Not only has the decision affected VOA, but Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) has also received notices of termination. RFE/RL’s president and CEO, Stephen Capus, expressed grave concern over the implications of the executive order, describing it as a “massive gift to America’s enemies.” He highlighted the importance of RFE/RL's work, noting that nearly 50 million people in closed societies rely on the agency for accurate news and information each week. Capus stated, “Without us, they won’t have access to the truth about America and the world.”
The executive order not only targets media organizations but also extends to other government entities, including the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the US Interagency Council on Homelessness. These reductions raise questions about the future of public service in the media and beyond, as the ramifications of this decision unfold.
