The Trump-aligned U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) under Senior Advisor Kari Lake has executed sweeping layoffs at Voice of America, shedding 1,400 jobs—nearly 85% of its workforce—raising concerns over the future of U.S.-funded global journalism.
At a Glance
- 639 additional USAGM/VOA staff were laid off June 20, bringing total job losses to around 1,400 since March
- Just 250 employees remain across USAGM’s outlets, including VOA and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting
- Kari Lake defended the cuts, saying VOA had become a “bloated, unaccountable bureaucracy” reflecting liberal bias
- Critics argue value was lost: VOA, founded in 1942 to broadcast freedom worldwide, is being dismantled at a key moment
- Legal challenges are underway as journalists and media advocates seek to preserve VOA’s independent mission
Massive Cuts, Minimal Staff
Voice of America and its parent, USAGM, have seen over 1,400 jobs cut since March. Earlier this month, 639 more employees received layoff notices—leaving just 250 workers across all USAGM arms, according to Reuters. Only the 33-member Office of Cuba Broadcasting has been spared.
Ideology vs. Independence
Kari Lake framed the overhaul as correcting left-leaning bias and streamlining operations: “bloated, unaccountable bureaucracy” being her justification. Critics, however, warn this abruptly ends VOA’s 83-year legacy as a neutral broadcaster for global democracy, as reported by AP News.
Cultural and Strategic Fallout
VOA’s shutdown comes as international tensions rise: even its Persian-language and other non-English branches face abrupt suspensions before resuming and immediately facing layoffs again, according to Politico. Opponents argue hollowing out VOA weakens U.S. soft power and allows adversaries like Russia and China to dominate global narratives.
Legal Pushback and the Road Ahead
Journalists—including some laid-off Persian-language staff—have launched lawsuits seeking to reverse the impact, citing statutory protections for VOA’s independence. Observers expect Congress to weigh in as budget and treaty provisions come under new scrutiny, according to Reuters.
What’s at Stake
VOA was designed as a global vehicle for objective U.S. messaging since WWII. Dismantling that infrastructure raises the stakes for America’s ability to compete in ideological influence. As national security challenges mount, the future of public diplomacy and global reach hangs in the balance.
