The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees Voice of America (VOA) and several other government-funded international broadcasters, has announced plans to eliminate more than 500 jobs. The move has sparked legal battles, union pushback, and global concerns about America’s ability to project its voice abroad.
Acting CEO Kari Lake confirmed late Friday that 532 government employees will lose their positions as part of a “reduction in force” (RIF). The announcement came just one day after a federal judge blocked her attempt to remove Michael Abramowitz, the VOA director.
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Legal Battles Intensify
The layoffs are unfolding alongside a courtroom fight over VOA’s independence. U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth recently ruled that the administration could not dismiss Abramowitz without approval from the International Broadcasting Advisory Board. He called the attempt “plainly contrary to law” and ordered Lake to sit for a deposition by mid-September.
Judge Lamberth also warned the administration it had one final chance—short of a contempt trial—to prove compliance with court orders aimed at restoring VOA’s operations. The legal scrutiny adds more weight to the already contentious atmosphere surrounding USAGM.
Kari Lake’s Justification
Lake defended the cuts on social media, arguing they would make the agency stronger and more efficient.
“We will continue to fulfill our statutory mission after this RIF—and will likely improve our ability to function,” she wrote.
She added that her long-term goal is to fix what she described as a “very broken agency” and ensure America’s voice is heard globally.
Employees Push Back
For many workers, the announcement was devastating. Employees who had already filed lawsuits to prevent VOA’s dismantling said the new layoffs provide just 30 days before their pay and benefits end.
“We find Lake’s continued attacks on our agency abhorrent,” employees said in a statement. “So far, we have not seen any evidence that this plan follows the rigorous review process required by Congress. We will continue to fight for our rights under the law.”
Earlier in June, more than 600 USAGM staff received layoff notices. Abramowitz and much of VOA’s senior staff were placed on administrative leave, with Abramowitz told he would be dismissed by August 31.
Details of the Layoffs
In court filings, the administration revealed it intends to send termination notices to 486 VOA employees and 46 from other parts of USAGM. However, 158 agency employees and 108 VOA employees are expected to remain.
As of now, the global media agency has 137 active employees, while 62 are on administrative leave. At VOA, 86 staff remain active while 512 are sidelined.
These numbers paint a stark picture: more than three-quarters of VOA’s workforce has either been terminated or placed on leave.
Impact on Other U.S.-Funded Broadcasters
USAGM oversees several other well-known outlets, including:
- Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)
- Radio Free Asia (RFA)
- Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN)
- Radio Martí, which broadcasts in Spanish to Cuba
Together, these broadcasters reach an estimated 427 million people worldwide. Founded during the Cold War, their mission has always been to extend American influence and counter authoritarian propaganda.
The large-scale layoffs threaten this mission, raising concerns about whether the U.S. will continue to maintain a strong presence in the global information space.
National Security Concerns
Former VOA director Michael Abramowitz warned earlier this year that dismantling the agency would be a serious blow to U.S. interests.
“If America pulls off the playing field and cedes it to our adversaries, they’re going to be telling the narratives people around the world hear. That can’t be good for America,” Abramowitz said.
He argued that countries like China and Russia are already dominating the global information war, and only a strong, independent U.S. broadcaster can counter their narratives with truth and credibility.
Union Response
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the largest U.S. public sector union, condemned the layoffs and the administration’s attempt to strip union protections.
“AFSCME members who fulfill the mission to broadcast Voice of America around the globe shine the beacon of freedom on the most oppressive of regimes,” the union said. “Now, because they have fought to keep VOA’s mission alive, their own voice on the job has been stripped from them. AFSCME will fight this illegal action in court.”
Risks for Foreign Journalists
Another concern comes from VOA and RFA journalists who are foreign nationals. Many sought asylum in the U.S. after facing threats from authoritarian regimes in their home countries.
Jaewoo Park, a Radio Free Asia journalist, highlighted the danger in an interview earlier this year.
“If our governments knew we worked for RFA and we returned home, our lives would be at risk,” he explained.
He added that authoritarian governments, particularly in Asia, have welcomed the cuts to U.S.-funded media. “It’s very risky for us. Our lives are in danger if Radio Free Asia doesn’t exist.”
Global Consequences
The move to cut hundreds of jobs at VOA and its sister outlets has sparked debate not only in Washington but also abroad. Experts warn that authoritarian regimes may fill the information vacuum left by U.S.-backed broadcasters.
In regions such as Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, these outlets have long provided uncensored reporting in local languages. Without them, millions could be left relying solely on state-controlled propaganda.
Broader Political Context
The layoffs are part of a larger trend of political efforts to reshape independent journalism. The Trump administration has faced criticism for undermining both domestic and international media, rolling back climate policies, and clashing with unions.
Critics argue that dismantling U.S.-funded broadcasters is not just an administrative change—it is a strategic retreat in the global fight for democracy and truth.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are more than 500 workers being laid off at Voice of America?
The U.S. Agency for Global Media announced a “reduction in force” (RIF), cutting 532 jobs. Officials claim the move is meant to restructure and improve efficiency, though critics argue it undermines the agency’s mission.
Who oversees Voice of America and other U.S.-funded broadcasters?
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) manages Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and Radio Martí.
What role does Voice of America play internationally?
Voice of America broadcasts independent news in multiple languages to millions of people worldwide. It aims to counter propaganda from authoritarian regimes and promote democratic values.
What legal challenges are connected to the layoffs?
A federal judge ruled that VOA’s director, Michael Abramowitz, cannot be removed without board approval. Employees and unions have also filed lawsuits, arguing that the layoffs and policy changes are unlawful.
How will these job cuts impact U.S. global influence?
Experts warn the layoffs could weaken America’s ability to counter disinformation from countries like China and Russia, reducing U.S. influence in regions where free press is already under threat.
What risks do foreign journalists at VOA and RFA face?
Many foreign staff fled authoritarian countries and sought asylum in the U.S. If VOA and RFA shut down, returning home could expose them to persecution or even threats to their lives.
What is the union’s stance on these layoffs?
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) strongly opposes the job cuts, vowing to fight the decision in court and protect workers’ rights.
Conclusion
The sweeping layoffs at Voice of America and allied broadcasters represent more than just a workforce reduction—they symbolize a critical turning point in America’s global communication strategy. While USAGM leadership frames the cuts as a necessary step toward efficiency, opponents warn they risk silencing independent journalism that has long countered authoritarian propaganda. With ongoing legal battles, union resistance, and heightened concerns for foreign journalists’ safety, the future of VOA remains deeply uncertain. At stake is not only the livelihood of hundreds of employees but also the United States’ ability to project truth, transparency, and democratic values to millions of people worldwide.
