The Trump administration has started mass layoffs at Voice of America and other US-funded media organizations, signaling major changes.
On Sunday, all employees were placed on leave, and contract workers received termination notices effective at March’s end.
An email instructed contractors to stop working immediately and prohibited access to agency buildings and internal communication systems.
Contractors constitute a significant part of Voice of America’s workforce, especially in its numerous non-English language service departments.
Many contractors, who are non-US citizens, may lose their legal status and ability to stay in America.
Most full-time employees, who have greater legal protections, were not terminated but were placed on administrative leave.
Impact on Voice of America and Press Freedom
Voice of America, established during World War II, broadcasts globally in 49 languages to promote media access in restricted nations.
Liam Scott, a journalist covering press freedom, stated he was among those dismissed as of March 31, 2025.
Scott condemned the administration’s actions, linking them to a broader effort to weaken government and attack press freedom.
He noted that the current situation represents an unprecedented assault on journalism and independent media organizations in America.
With Voice of America’s operations disrupted, some of its services have resorted to playing music instead of original programs.
Sweeping Cuts Across US-Funded Media Organizations
Trump recently signed an executive order targeting the US Agency for Global Media, which oversees various international broadcasters.
This agency had 3,384 employees in 2023 and requested a budget allocation of $950 million for 2025 operations.
The cuts have also frozen Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which historically provided news to Soviet-controlled nations.
Radio Free Asia, covering China and North Korea, and Alhurra, an Arabic-language network, also face drastic funding reductions.
Other impacted media organizations include Radio Farda, which broadcasts in Persian, despite Iranian government restrictions on external reporting.
The White House defended the decision, arguing that taxpayers should not fund media platforms accused of spreading propaganda.
Trump has consistently criticized Voice of America’s editorial independence, questioning the necessity of government-funded international journalism.
With support from Elon Musk, Trump aims to shrink government agencies significantly while prioritizing extensive tax cuts.
His administration has already cut foreign aid programs and taken steps to dismantle the Department of Education’s authority.
Meanwhile, China and Russia are increasing investments in state-sponsored media to expand influence across developing countries globally.
China’s Global Times claimed VOA’s decline reflects a shift away from Western media dominance in global news dissemination.
The publication argued that Western narratives demonizing China will lose credibility as audiences seek more diverse perspectives.
