Trump plans to eliminate over 500 positions at Voice of America and its overseeing agency, amidst ongoing legal disputes
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has announced a significant round of job cuts, affecting more than 500 employees across the agency and its affiliated networks. Kari Lake, the acting CEO of USAGM, made the announcement late Friday.
The agencies under USAGM's purview include Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and Radio Marti, among others. These networks together reach an estimated 427 million people worldwide, and are part of a network of government-funded organizations aimed at extending U.S. influence and combating authoritarianism.
In her statement, Kari Lake pointed to the need for restructuring and cost-cutting measures, starting with the elimination of over 500 full-time positions. This decision will lead to job losses and significant impact on the affected employees. However, Lake also expressed her confidence that the agency "will continue to fulfill its statutory mission after this RIF [Reduction in Force]- and will likely improve its ability to function."
The job cuts come after a tumultuous period for the USAGM, particularly for its Voice of America (VOA) division. In June, layoff notices were sent to more than 600 agency employees, including VOA staff. Previously, Michael Abramowitz, the CEO of VOA, was placed on administrative leave along with almost the entire VOA staff.
U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth had previously ruled that the Republican administration had failed to show compliance with his orders to restore VOA's operations. Lamberth also stated that firing Michael Abramowitz would be "plainly contrary to law." On Thursday, Lamberth further clarified that Abramowitz could not be removed without the approval of the majority of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board.
Despite these challenges, Kari Lake remains optimistic about the future of the USAGM. In her final broad statement, she wrote that she looks forward to taking additional steps in the coming months to improve the functioning of the agency.
The USAGM's latest job cuts are part of a broader trend of cost-cutting measures being implemented by the current administration. The agency had 137 "active employees" and 62 others on administrative leave, while VOA had 86 active employees and 512 others on administrative leave. With these changes, the agency intends to retain 158 agency employees and 108 VOA employees.
This news will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the affected employees and the broader media landscape. As the USAGM continues to navigate these challenges, it remains to be seen how these changes will affect the agency's mission to extend U.S. influence and combat authoritarianism around the world.
