President Trump’s administration is moving to lay off most Voice of America staff, sparking legal battles and press freedom concerns.
The Trump administration has announced plans to fire more than 500 staff at the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), including the majority of employees at Voice of America (VOA). Acting CEO Kari Lake said the move would “help reduce the federal bureaucracy, improve agency service, and save the American people more of their hard-earned money.”
VOA staff described the cuts as “abhorrent” and accused the administration of attempting to dismantle the broadcaster, which was founded during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda. Court filings show 486 VOA workers and 46 USAGM staff will be dismissed, leaving just over 260 employees combined.
The announcement came after a judge ruled the administration mishandled the firing of VOA’s director, ordering Lake to testify in a deposition. Critics argue the layoffs undermine press freedom and weaken America’s global influence.