US EditionTrump administration fires hundreds of Voice of America employees
- The Trump administration fired 584 employees, mostly journalists contracted by Voice of America, on May 15 at its Washington-based headquarters.
- The layoffs occurred after a March 14 executive directive intended to weaken the federal entity overseeing Voice of America, even though an April court decision required the continuation of VOA’s news broadcasts.
- The firings forced affected journalists to leave the U.S. Within 30 days since their visa status depended on employment, raising concerns due to their origins from repressive regimes where independent reporting is dangerous.
- Michael Abramowitz, VOA director, described the firings as “inexplicable” and expressed heartbreak, while Kari Lake, USAGM senior adviser, defended the cuts as legally authorized efforts to reduce bureaucracy and right-size the agency.
- The layoffs reflect the Trump administration’s ongoing attempts to reduce and weaken VOA, jeopardizing its mission to deliver impartial news to audiences in nations where press freedom is severely restricted.
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55 Articles
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The Voice of America (VOA) public radio station, which President Donald Trump seeks to dismantle, will fire hundreds of contract workers in the coming days, reported a media advocacy group. Most of VOA’s approximately 1,300 employees were sent on general leave and the broadcasts were suspended after a government executive order in March that dismantled the USGM federal agency, which oversees several US-funded international media. The White House…
Trump Admin. Fires Nearly 600 Voice of America Employees
The Trump administration announced layoffs for nearly 600 Voice of America employees as Trump continues to retool the costs and structure of the federal government. The number being eliminated amounts to about one-third of the employees of VOA’s employees. Per Just the News: Those fired were told their last day of work will be May […] The post Trump Admin. Fires Nearly 600 Voice of America Employees appeared first on The Lid.
Trump crony pushes Voice of America toward MAGA propaganda mouthpiece
On Thursday, the Trump administration terminated the contracts of nearly 600 contractors at Voice of America, the U.S.-funded international news network known for providing independent journalism in ...
Silencing Voice of America
The Voice of America (VOA) sign is displayed on its building on March 17, 2025, in Washington, DC. | Alex Wong/Getty Images This story appeared in The Logoff, a daily newsletter that helps you stay informed about the Trump administration without letting political news take over your life. Subscribe here. Welcome to The Logoff: Today I’m focused on the Trump administration’s efforts to undermine Voice of America, a US-funded news network that br…
Nearly 600 Voice of America Staffers Laid Off.
PULSE POINTS:What Happened: Nearly 600 Voice of America (VOA) employees, primarily contractors, were fired as part of a Trump administration overhaul of the agency. Who’s Involved: The Trump administration, U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), VOA employees, and senior adviser Kari Lake. Where & When: The firings were announced this week, with the employees’ last day set for May 30. Key Quote: Kari Lake stated, “I don’t have editorial control o…
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