The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees Voice of America (VOA) and several other government-funded international broadcasters, has announced plans to eliminate more than 500 jobs in its latest restructuring move. Acting Chief Executive Kari Lake confirmed late Friday that 532 full-time government positions will be cut, a decision that comes amid an ongoing courtroom battle over the agency’s operations.
The layoffs represent one of the largest reductions in force (RIF) in the agency’s history and come as it faces scrutiny over whether its restructuring efforts comply with federal law and court orders. Lake has defended the decision, saying the cuts are designed to streamline operations and strengthen the agency’s ability to carry out its mission.
Judge Blocks Leadership Shake-Up
The announcement follows a tense week in court, where U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth sharply criticized the Trump administration’s handling of VOA and related networks. Earlier in the week, the judge ruled that the administration had not shown adequate compliance with orders to restore VOA’s normal operations, warning that officials had “one final opportunity, short of a contempt trial” to demonstrate good faith.
On Thursday, Lamberth issued another ruling, blocking Lake’s attempt to remove VOA Director Michael Abramowitz. He determined that such a dismissal could only occur with the approval of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board, and any unilateral removal would be unlawful. Lamberth, appointed by President Ronald Reagan, also ordered Lake to sit for a deposition with lawyers representing agency employees by September 15.
Staff Express Outrage
Employees within the agency have voiced anger at the layoffs and restructuring efforts. A group of staff who previously filed suit to prevent VOA’s elimination argued that Lake’s move threatens both jobs and the agency’s mission. They said the cuts would result in many employees losing pay and benefits within 30 days, leaving already sidelined staff uncertain about their future.
This frustration comes after months of instability. Back in June, redundancy notices were issued to more than 600 employees. At the same time, Abramowitz and most of VOA’s staff were placed on administrative leave, with notices indicating terminations would take effect by the end of August.
Court Filings Highlight Workforce Losses
Documents filed in federal court on Thursday revealed the extent of the planned reductions. USAGM intends to issue RIF notices to 486 VOA employees and 46 additional staff across other parts of the agency. Plans also call for retaining 158 agency employees and 108 at VOA.
The filing indicated that USAGM currently has 137 active employees, with another 62 on administrative leave. VOA’s numbers are even more stark, showing only 86 active staff against 512 on administrative leave. These figures illustrate the dramatic shrinking of the workforce that has occurred under Lake’s leadership.
Lake Defends Restructuring
Despite mounting criticism, Lake has insisted that reform is necessary. In a statement shared on social media, she described the agency as “very broken” and said the cuts are part of a broader plan to ensure U.S. international broadcasting remains effective. She added that she intends to take further steps in the coming months to strengthen the agency’s operations.
Her stance reflects the Trump administration’s long-running skepticism of USAGM and its networks. Allies of the administration have frequently accused VOA and other outlets of inefficiency or bias, even as they continue to reach millions of people worldwide.
A Legacy of Global Broadcasting
The U.S. Agency for Global Media oversees a number of influential networks in addition to VOA, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and Radio Martí, which provides Spanish-language programming to Cuba. Collectively, these organizations reach an estimated 427 million people globally.
These networks were established during the Cold War as a means of promoting democratic values and countering authoritarian propaganda. Supporters argue they remain vital today, especially in regions where state-controlled media dominates and independent journalism faces severe restrictions.
Critics of the restructuring warn that deep staff cuts threaten to weaken the credibility and effectiveness of these outlets. By reducing the workforce so drastically, they argue, USAGM risks undermining its mission of providing fact-based reporting to audiences abroad.
