The move has raised concerns about the future of U.S. efforts to promote accurate news and democratic values in areas saturated by foreign propaganda
Washington, D.C. — Voice of America (VOA) and its affiliated networks are facing significant cutbacks following President Donald Trump‘s recent executive order.
On March 15, 2025, VOA Director Michael Abramowitz announced that he and nearly all of the organization’s 1,300 staff members were placed on administrative leave. This action came just one day after Trump signed an order to drastically reduce the functions of VOA’s parent agency, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM).
The impact of these cuts has been immediate and far-reaching.
Several VOA local-language radio stations have ceased news broadcasts, resorting to playing music instead. Top editors have been instructed to halt their work, leading to expectations that VOA’s global news coverage will soon come to a standstill.
USAGM oversees not only VOA but also other networks such as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia. These organizations have also been affected, with their contracts being terminated. The cuts extend to funding for these networks, which provide news to regions including Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China, and North Korea.
Supporters of the Trump administration argue that these broadcasters are outdated and inefficient. However, critics warn that dismantling these networks could allow countries like China to dominate international airwaves, potentially harming American interests abroad.
The move has raised concerns about the future of U.S. efforts to promote accurate news and democratic values in areas saturated by foreign propaganda. For decades, both Republican and Democratic leaders have supported these initiatives.
As a result of these actions, VOA employees have been barred from accessing their Washington, D.C. headquarters, and freelancers and contract workers have also been prevented from working due to lack of funds. This situation marks the first time in VOA’s 83-year history that it has been effectively silenced.
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