The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) is making big changes. This agency runs Voice of America (VOA) and other government-funded broadcasters. The agency said it is cutting more than 500 jobs. Kari Lake say the move will make the agency stronger and more effective. But workers and many others see it as a serious attack on independent journalism.
This decision is happening while legal battles are still going on. Judges are already warning the administration to follow the law.
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Court Orders About Cutting Jobs
A federal judge, Royce Lamberth, has been watching the case closely. He ruled that the government must follow his orders to keep VOA working. He said the administration failed to prove it was doing that.
The judge gave them one final chance before he moves toward a contempt trial. That means if they fail again, officials could face legal punishment.
The court also blocked the removal of Michael Abramowitz, the VOA director. Lamberth said Abramowitz cannot be removed unless the International Broadcasting Advisory Board agrees. He wrote that removing him without approval would be “plainly against the law.”
Job Cuts Announced
Kari Lake, the acting CEO of USAGM, made the cuts public. She said 532 jobs are being removed. This includes both VOA employees and other staff inside the agency.
Lake posted her statement on social media. She said the agency will still meet its mission and may even work better after the cuts. She added that more steps will come in the months ahead to improve the agency.
She called the agency “very broken” and promised to fix it so America’s message is heard around the world.
Workers Response About This Law
Workers are not happy. They said the move will give many of their colleagues just 30 days before pay and benefits stop. They also said Lake has not shown any proof that Congress approved the plan. They want her to explain her decision during her upcoming deposition in court. In their words, Lake’s plan looks more like an attack than an improvement.
Earlier Layoffs
This is not the first time layoffs have happened at USAGM. In June, more than 600 employees got layoff notices. Many staff members, including Abramowitz, were placed on administrative leave. At that time, Abramowitz was told he would be fired by August 31. Nearly the entire VOA staff was also sidelined. A new court filing later explained how many employees would be let go and how many would stay.
Job cuts and retention numbers
Here is a quick breakdown of the numbers:
| Category | Layoffs Planned | Employees to Stay |
|---|---|---|
| VOA employees | 486 | 108 |
| Other agency employees | 46 | 158 |
| Total | 532 | 266 |
The filing also showed that VOA had 86 active employees, with 512 on leave. The agency itself had 137 active workers, while 62 others were on leave.
About the Agency
The U.S. Agency for Global Media runs more than just VOA. It also manages Radio Free Europe, Radio Free Asia, and Radio Marti. Radio Marti is aimed at Cuba and broadcasts in Spanish. Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia focus on regions where press freedom is limited.
Together, all these networks reach around 427 million people worldwide. They started during the Cold War, a time when the U.S. wanted to counter Soviet propaganda. Even today, their main mission is to spread independent news and fight against authoritarian governments.
Why it Matters
Job cuts on this scale are not just about numbers. They affect how the U.S. is seen around the world. VOA and other broadcasters play a role in sharing America’s voice overseas. If they lose staff and resources, their reach and impact could shrink.
Critics worry that cutting jobs could weaken U.S. influence at a time when global competition for ideas is very strong. Supporters of the cuts say the agency needs reform. They argue that the structure is broken and needs a fresh start.
The legal fight shows how deeply divided the issue is. On one side is the Trump administration and its push for changes. On the other side are workers and judges who believe the law is being ignored.
What Happens Next
The next steps depend a lot on the court. Judge Lamberth has set strict deadlines. Kari Lake will face tough questions in her deposition. If the court rules against the administration again, the job cuts may face even more challenges. If the administration wins, the layoffs will move forward quickly.
For now, hundreds of employees remain uncertain about their future. They have just weeks left before their pay and benefits run out. The larger question is about the future of U.S.-funded media itself. Will it survive these cuts and continue to reach millions, or will it become weaker? Time will tell.
FAQs
What is Voice of America?
Voice of America is a U.S.-funded news service that broadcasts worldwide in many languages.
How many jobs are being cut?
A total of 532 jobs are being cut, including 486 from VOA and 46 from the main agency.
Why are workers upset?
Workers say the cuts were not reviewed by Congress and will harm the agency’s mission.
What did the judge say?
The judge ruled that the government must follow the law and cannot remove the VOA director without board approval.
What other networks are part of USAGM?
The agency also runs Radio Free Europe, Radio Free Asia, and Radio Marti, which together reach about 427 million people.
