Trump administration moves to slash 500 employees of VOA
New Delhi, Aug 31: The Trump administration has announced plans to terminate nearly 500 employees of Voice of America (VOA), the federally funded international broadcaster, in what critics say is the latest attempt to weaken the organisation, reports BBC.
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), VOA’s parent body, confirmed that 532 positions would be cut, the majority from VOA, leaving just 108 staff.
The move follows an earlier attempt in June to dismiss 639 employees, which was halted due to administrative errors. Acting USAGM chief Kari Lake said the cuts would “reduce federal bureaucracy, improve service, and save taxpayers’ money.” But a union representing VOA staff described the move as illegal, warning it undermines the broadcaster’s mission. VOA, created during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda, today reaches global audiences in nearly 50 languages across TV, radio, and digital platforms. Critics argue the cuts amount to an attack on press freedom and diminish America’s ability to project influence abroad.
The latest notices came a day after a court ruled that the administration had mishandled its effort to oust VOA director Michael Abramowitz. The judge ordered Lake to face questioning by lawyers representing employees who have sued to block the dismissals.
In a statement, the employees accused Lake of trying to “dismantle VOA without the rigorous review process required by Congress,” vowing to continue their legal fight.
Most VOA journalists have been on administrative leave since March, though some Farsi-speaking staff were recalled during the Israel-Iran conflict this summer. Staff at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, which produces Spanish-language content from Miami, will not be affected. The White House has long criticised VOA, branding its coverage “radical” and “anti-Trump.” Supporters of the outlet say the broadcaster remains vital to countering disinformation and advancing U.S. soft power overseas.
