The U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees Voice of America (VOA) and other government-funded international broadcasters, has announced layoffs affecting over 500 employees. Kari Lake, the agency’s acting CEO, disclosed the job cuts on Friday, following a federal court ruling that barred her from dismissing Michael Abramowitz as VOA’s director.
District Judge Royce Lamberth previously ruled that the administration failed to comply with directives aimed at restoring VOA’s operations. This ruling provided the government a chance to demonstrate compliance before potential contempt proceedings. Additionally, the judge indicated that firing Abramowitz without approval from the International Broadcasting Advisory Board would violate legal statutes.
Lake’s announcement indicated the initiation of a reduction in force (RIF) affecting 532 full-time employees, with the agency assuring that it would continue to fulfill its mandate post-RIF. A group of employees who filed a lawsuit to block cuts stated that the job elimination would greatly affect their colleagues, leaving them with a short timeframe before pay and benefits cease.
In June, over 600 layoff notices were issued to agency employees, leading to a wave of administrative leaves. According to court filings, 486 employees are set to receive RIF notices from VOA, while 158 employees in the agency will remain retained. The U.S. Agency for Global Media also includes other outlets like Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia, collectively reaching an audience of around 427 million people.
Abramowitz had previously warned that dismantling VOA could negatively impact American interests abroad, particularly in the current climate of global information warfare. Recently, the Trump administration moved to eliminate union protections for some federal employees, drawing criticism from labor unions, which plan to contest the actions legally. Concerns regarding the safety of foreign staff at U.S.-backed media outlets have also been raised following these cuts.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/30/voice-of-america-lay-offs