The Trump administration has made major cuts to several government-funded media organisations in the US, putting all Voice of America (VOA) employees on administrative leave.
This move came after President Donald Trump ordered a reduction in operations at agencies under the US Agency for Global Media, after Congress’s approval of its latest funding bill. The cuts also affected Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and Radio Marti, which provide independent news to countries like China, Russia, and Cuba. VOA director Michael Abramowitz confirmed the cuts in a statement posted on networking website LinkedIn, saying, “I am deeply saddened that for the first time in 83 years, the storied Voice of America is being silenced.”
He informed that over 1,300 journalists, producers, and support staff had been placed on leave. “VOA promotes freedom and democracy around the world by telling America’s story and by providing objective and balanced news and information, especially for those living under tyranny,” he said.
Michael further added that many of them came to America from authoritarian countries where they were not able to practice journalism freely.
Kari Lake, Trump’s recently appointed senior adviser to the agency, signalled the cuts early Saturday morning with a post on X, urging employees to check their emails. Soon after, staff received official notices placing them on paid administrative leave and instructing them to return government-issued equipment.
The move has sparked backlash from press advocacy groups. Reporters Without Borders condemned the decision, calling it a “departure from the US’s historic role as a defender of free information.”
Stephen Capus, president and CEO of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, warned that cancelling funding for these networks would be a “massive gift to America’s enemies.”
Since the Cold War, VOA and its sister organisations have been crucial in countering authoritarian propaganda including the USAID, reaching a combined audience of approximately 427 million people worldwide.
Thomas Kent, former head of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, cautioned that dismantling these platforms could leave the global narrative about the US in the hands of its adversaries.
The Trump administration has previously sought greater control over VOA, cancelling contracts with independent news agencies like AP and restricting media pool access.
The latest cuts also extend beyond media, targeting organisations such as the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars and the US Interagency Council on Homelessness.
Meanwhile, Kari Lake defended the cost-cutting measures in a video on X, criticising VOA’s office leases and pledging to downsize operations. However, she made no mention of the impact on journalists or VOA’s broader mission.
For now, VOA employees remain on paid leave.