Trump orders deep cuts to US-funded media, puts all ‘Voice of America’ employees on leave

What is Voice of America?

Voice of America (VOA) is a state-funded media network that produces television, radio, and digital news content for international audiences. Founded in 1942 to counter Nazi propaganda during World War II, VOA’s primary role is to provide accurate, unbiased, and comprehensive news to people around the world, particularly in areas where press freedom is limited .

In a LinkedIn post, Voice of America Director Mike Abramowitz expressed deep concern over the abrupt suspension of VOA operations, calling it an unprecedented blow to the organisation’s mission.

“I am deeply saddened that, for the first time in 83 years, the storied Voice of America is being silenced,” Abramowitz wrote. “This morning, I learned that virtually the entire staff of VOA—more than 1,300 journalists, producers, and support staff—has been placed on administrative leave, including myself. While VOA needs thoughtful reform, and we have made progress in that regard, today’s action will leave the organization unable to carry out its vital mission.”

He emphasised the global importance of VOA’s work, particularly in countering misinformation from authoritarian regimes. “That mission is more critical than ever, as adversaries like Iran, China, and Russia invest billions in spreading false narratives to discredit the United States. VOA promotes freedom and democracy by telling America’s story and providing objective, balanced news, especially for those living under oppressive regimes. Even if the agency continues in some form, the actions taken today by the administration will severely weaken its ability to foster a safe and free world, ultimately failing to protect US interests,” he added.

“I am deeply saddened that for the first time in 83 years, the storied Voice of America is being silenced. I learned this morning that virtually the entire staff of Voice of America—more than 1300 journalists, producers and support staff—has been placed on administrative leave… pic.twitter.com/05lX2EnxQm

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 16, 2025

Impact on Global Media outlets

The executive order extends beyond VOA, affecting other entities under the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and Radio Marti. These organizations have historically played pivotal roles in disseminating unbiased news to regions under authoritarian regimes. Stephen Capus, President and CEO of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, cautioned that terminating their grant agreement “would be a massive gift to America’s enemies.”

Administrative response and future Outlook

Following the order, Kari Lake, a former Arizona gubernatorial and US Senate candidate appointed by Trump as a senior adviser to USAGM, communicated with agency employees via social media, instructing them to check their emails for updates.

While at USAGM, I vow to fully implement President Trump’s executive orders in his mission to reduce the size & scope of the federal government. Today we continue the process of doing that by streamlining our operations to what is statutorily required by law

FULL PRESS RELEASE⤵️ pic.twitter.com/7krOVF04KY

— Kari Lake (@KariLake) March 15, 2025

In a message on the social media platform X on Saturday, Lake said Trump’s order impacted USAGM “and its outlets VOA and OCB,” referring to the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. She told employees of the agency to check their emails immediately.

BREAKING—The President has issued an Executive Order titled Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy. It affects USAGM and its outlets VOA and OCB.

If you are an employee of the agency please check your email immediately for more information. https://t.co/JmKMA0rp54

— Kari Lake (@KariLake) March 15, 2025

Subsequently, staff received notices placing them on administrative leave with full pay and benefits. The correspondence also directed employees to refrain from accessing agency facilities and to return government-issued equipment.

“Elon Musk posted on X in February, stating that VOA should be shut down, amid accusations from some Republicans that VOA and other publicly-funded media outlets are biased against conservatives.”

Reactions from Press Freedom Advocates

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from press freedom organizations. Reporters Without Borders condemned the move as a departure from the United States’ longstanding role as a defender of free information, urging both Congress and the international community to take action against this unprecedented measure.

Similarly, the National Press Club highlighted that these cuts undermine America’s commitment to a free and independent press, emphasizing VOA’s legacy of delivering fact-based journalism to global audiences, particularly in regions lacking press freedom.

Broader implications

This executive order is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to streamline federal operations by targeting agencies deemed non-essential or redundant. Other affected entities include the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, and the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. The administration asserts that these measures aim to reduce bureaucracy and ensure taxpayer funds are utilized efficiently.

The abrupt suspension of VOA’s operations raises concerns about the future of US-funded international broadcasting and its role in promoting democratic values worldwide. As the situation develops, stakeholders and observers alike await further clarification on the long-term implications of these cuts.