WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees Voice of America (VOA) and other international broadcasters funded by the government, has announced a significant reduction in personnel that will cut more than 500 jobs. This announcement comes amid ongoing legal challenges concerning the future of these news outlets, highlighting the contentious atmosphere surrounding the agency under the Trump administration.
Kari Lake, the acting CEO of the USAGM, disclosed the job cuts late Friday, shortly after a federal judge ruled against her attempt to dismiss Michael Abramowitz as VOA's director. U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth stated that the current administration had not provided sufficient evidence to show compliance with prior court orders aimed at restoring VOA's operations. His ruling provided Lake with a final chance, short of a contempt trial, to demonstrate compliance, and he mandated her participation in a deposition by September 15.
On Thursday, Judge Lamberth emphasized that Abramowitz could not be dismissed without the International Broadcasting Advisory Board’s approval, marking such an action as "plainly contrary to law." This situation has further intensified the existing legal disputes regarding the management of VOA and its governance.
In her statement posted on social media, Lake announced the initiation of a reduction in force (RIF) that would eliminate a total of 532 full-time government positions. She expressed confidence that the agency would continue to meet its statutory responsibilities despite these cuts, asserting that the reductions could enhance its operational efficiency. Lake indicated plans for further improvements to the agency in the coming months to ensure that America’s voice is prominent abroad.
A group of employees from the agency who are challenging the layoffs expressed their discontent with Lake’s decision, describing it as a direct threat to their colleagues. They articulated concerns that the planned elimination of jobs would lead to the cessation of pay and benefits for those affected within 30 days. This group is looking forward to the upcoming deposition to investigate whether Lake's plans for VOA's restructuring complied with the rigorous review processes mandated by Congress.
In June, the atmosphere within the agency was further strained when layoff notices were sent to over 600 employees. Prior to the recent developments, Abramowitz had been placed on administrative leave along with a majority of VOA’s staff, with plans communicated for his firing effective August 31. The administration’s legal documentation indicated intentions to issue RIF notices to 486 employees from VOA and an additional 46 from the agency, while aiming to retain 158 agency staff members and 108 from VOA.
As per this filing, the USAGM reported having 137 “active employees” and 62 on administrative leave, while VOA disclosed having 86 active employees alongside 512 who were also on administrative leave. This significant shift in operations affects not only VOA but also other entities under the USAGM umbrella, including Radio Free Europe, Radio Free Asia, and Radio Martí, which delivers news in Spanish to Cuba. These broadcasters have historical roots dating back to the Cold War and are integral to U.S. efforts to amplify its influence globally and counteract authoritarian regimes.
Michael Kunzelman, The Associated Press
