The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump has commenced widespread layoffs at Voice of America (VOA) and other U.S.-funded media outlets, signaling a significant shift in the nation’s approach to state-funded journalism.
The move, announced on Sunday, March 16, 2025, has drawn sharp criticism from media freedom advocates.
Key Details:
- Scope of Layoffs: Contractual staff at VOA and its parent organization, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), received termination notices effective March 31, 2025. Full-time employees have been placed on administrative leave.
- Executive Order: The layoffs follow an executive order signed by Trump, which aims to dismantle USAGM and its affiliated outlets, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia.
- Rationale: The White House stated that the decision was made to ensure taxpayers are “no longer on the hook for radical propaganda,” a claim that has been contested by media experts.
- Impact on Programming: With many services disrupted, some VOA broadcasts have been replaced by music due to a lack of new content.
This development has sparked debates about press freedom and the role of U.S.-funded media in global influence.
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