More than 500 employees at the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the parent body of Voice of America (VOA) and other government-funded broadcasters, are set to lose their jobs under sweeping cuts announced by acting CEO Kari Lake.
The reductions, affecting 532 staff members, will also extend to outlets such as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks and Radio Martí.
Lake described the move as a necessary step to streamline operations and ensure that America’s message resonates abroad.
The announcement comes despite legal pushback. A federal judge recently ruled that Lake could not dismiss VOA director Michael Abramowitz, calling such action unlawful.
US District Judge Royce Lamberth further warned the administration it was failing to comply with court orders to restore VOA’s full operations, granting one final opportunity before potential contempt proceedings.
Employees have condemned the decision, accusing Lake of attempting to dismantle a historic institution without the congressional oversight required by law. Critics argue the layoffs undermine US soft power at a time of growing global competition.
The restructuring follows President Donald Trump’s January directive to reduce federal funding for VOA and scale back its global broadcasting network, which has been a cornerstone of American outreach since the Cold War.
Follow the latest news on Google News
