Trump Administration Moves to Dismiss Majority of Voice of America Journalists

In a move that has sparked widespread controversy, the Trump administration has initiated steps to terminate nearly 500 employees at the federally funded media organization Voice of America (VOA).

Major Restructuring of VOA Under Trump

The decision, announced late Friday night, is part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to reshape the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the parent body overseeing VOA. According to a court filing, 532 positions are set to be eliminated, the majority from VOA, leaving only 108 staff members in place.

Acting CEO Kari Lake defended the decision, saying it would “help reduce federal bureaucracy, improve agency service, and save American taxpayers’ money.” However, a union representing VOA employees called the move “illegal” and vowed to challenge it.

Legal and Political Backlash

This announcement comes just a day after a judge ruled that the administration had not followed proper procedures in its attempt to dismiss VOA’s director, Michael Abramowitz, and ordered Kari Lake to testify under oath in an ongoing lawsuit.

The lawsuit, brought by a group of agency employees, seeks to block the dismantling of VOA. “We find Lake’s continued attacks on our agency abhorrent,” the group said in a statement to CBS News, adding they intend to challenge the plan in court.

Historical Significance of Voice of America

Founded during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda, VOA has grown into one of the world’s leading international broadcasters. It operates across TV, radio, and digital platforms, delivering content in nearly 50 languages.

The administration has accused VOA of being “anti-Trump” and “radical,” while critics argue these cuts amount to an attack on press freedom and undermine America’s soft power abroad.

Impact of the Terminations

• Scale of job cuts: Nearly 500 journalists affected, with most placed on administrative leave since March.

• Exempt divisions: Staff in the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, which operates from Miami in Spanish, will not be affected.

• Farsi-language staff recalled: Due to escalating conflict between Israel and Iran this summer.

What’s Next?

This move follows a similar June announcement by Lake to cut 639 jobs, which was rescinded over paperwork errors. With fresh notices now issued, legal battles are expected to intensify in the coming weeks as employees seek to preserve the broadcaster’s independence.

Critics warn that shrinking VOA will weaken US influence overseas, especially in regions where its reporting counters authoritarian narratives.

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