US News: The Trump administration has made significant cuts to several U.S. government-funded media organizations, leading to all Voice of America (VOA) employees being placed on administrative leave. This move follows President Donald Trump’s directive to reduce operations under the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
Following Congress’s approval of the latest funding bill, budget cuts have also impacted Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and Radio Martí. These media organizations are known for providing independent news in countries like China, Russia, and Cuba.
VOA Director Confirms Cuts
VOA Director Michael Abramowitz confirmed the reductions in a statement posted on the networking site LinkedIn, saying, “I am deeply saddened that, for the first time in 83 years, Voice of America is being silenced.”
Over 1,300 Journalists Affected
According to Abramowitz, more than 1,300 journalists, producers, and support staff have been placed on leave. He emphasized that VOA promotes freedom and democracy worldwide by telling America’s story and providing balanced news, especially to those living under oppression. He also pointed out that many of these journalists had come to the U.S. from authoritarian countries where they were unable to practice journalism freely.
Senior Advisor Kari Lake Had Hinted at the Move
Trump’s newly appointed senior advisor, Kari Lake, had urged employees to check their emails in a post on social media platform X on Saturday morning. Shortly after, employees received official notices placing them on paid administrative leave and instructing them to return government-issued equipment.
Widespread Condemnation from Media Organizations
Reporters Without Borders condemned the decision, calling it a “departure from America’s historical role as a defender of independent information.” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty President and CEO Stephen Capus warned that defunding these networks would be a “massive gift to America’s enemies.”
Since the Cold War, VOA and its affiliated organizations have played a critical role in countering authoritarian propaganda. The network reaches approximately 427 million people worldwide.
Former Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty head Thomas Kent warned that shutting down these platforms would harm America’s global image and reduce its influence in global media.
Previous Criticism of the Trump Administration
The Trump administration has previously faced criticism for seeking greater control over VOA. It canceled contracts with independent news agencies such as the Associated Press (AP) and restricted access to media pools. However, the administration did not address the impact of these measures on journalists or VOA’s broader mission.