Journalists at the Voice of America (VOA) arrived for work only to find themselves locked out. This shocking turn of events followed a late-night order from President Trump, which led to mass suspensions of staff at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the agency overseeing VOA and other international broadcasters. More than 1,000 employees, including those at the Office for Cuba Broadcasting, were affected by this sudden decision.
The directive required USAGM to cut any activities not mandated by law. Under the leadership of Trump appointees, the agency also ended contracts with various international broadcasters it funds, such as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia. The termination notices were signed by Trump’s senior adviser, Kari Lake, despite her lacking the authority to carry out such actions.
Former USAGM chief financial officer Grant Turner described the day as “Bloody Saturday,” expressing deep concern over the implications of these cuts. He noted that the networks had built a reputation for delivering important news and American values globally, reaching hundreds of millions of people each week.
Voice of America Director Michael Abramowitz confirmed he was among those placed on indefinite paid leave but declined to comment further. Internal memos indicated that the suspensions were not disciplinary but rather an abrupt halt to operations. Employees were instructed to stop all work and surrender government property.
The networks funded by USAGM serve as crucial sources of news and cultural programming in regions where free press is stifled. They are seen as tools of soft diplomacy, promoting independent journalism and dissenting voices against government policies.
The cuts have drawn ire from various quarters, with critics pointing to the potential for increased control over the remaining coverage. Some officials in Trump’s circle, including Elon Musk, have called for the shutdown of VOA and its sister networks. The repercussions of these actions are still unfolding, with many questioning the legality and intent behind them.
The USAGM networks have historically enjoyed bipartisan support, with lawmakers recognizing their role in promoting free press and countering propaganda in authoritarian regimes. For instance, Radio Free Asia has highlighted the plight of Uighur Muslims in China, while Radio Free Europe has reported on human rights abuses in Russia and Hungary.
As staff members face uncertainty, the future of these vital news services hangs in the balance. The situation continues to develop, with calls for accountability and clarity from the agency and the White House.