In a move stirring controversy, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at reducing the performance levels of Voice of America (VOA) and its parent organization, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). The directive casts uncertainty over the future of VOA, which was founded in 1942 to counteract enemy propaganda during World War II. President Trump’s order mandates a reduction to the "minimum presence and function required by law," prompting the immediate placement of over 1,300 VOA staff on paid leave, including its director, Mike Abramowitz.
Trump Issues Executive Order Impacting Voice of America Operations
Trump Issues Executive Order Impacting Voice of America Operations
Trump's new executive order significantly limits the funding and operations of Voice of America and other global broadcasters.
In a stark warning, Abramowitz articulated that the executive order undermines VOA's critical mission at a time when adversarial nations like Russia, Iran, and China are engaging in extensive disinformation campaigns against the U.S. The sudden shift led to notifications that all freelance and international contractors would not receive any payments, signaling potential operational paralysis for the broadcaster. There remains ambiguity about the complete shutdown of operations, as a further announcement from the administration has not yet been made.
The move is perceived as part of Trump's broader effort to challenge perceived media bias against his administration. Following a similar trend in his first term, Trump has also recently appointed Kari Lake, a known loyalist, to advise on USAGM matters. Critics argue that this represents a chilling effect on journalistic independence which has been historically safeguarded by U.S. legislation. Voice of America attracted a weekly listener base of over 400 million globally, providing an essential counter-narrative to hostile state-sponsored information.
In parallel, Trump's funding cuts also extend to a range of federal agencies tasked with social support and educational initiatives, casting a wider impact on public service and accountability in government.
The move is perceived as part of Trump's broader effort to challenge perceived media bias against his administration. Following a similar trend in his first term, Trump has also recently appointed Kari Lake, a known loyalist, to advise on USAGM matters. Critics argue that this represents a chilling effect on journalistic independence which has been historically safeguarded by U.S. legislation. Voice of America attracted a weekly listener base of over 400 million globally, providing an essential counter-narrative to hostile state-sponsored information.
In parallel, Trump's funding cuts also extend to a range of federal agencies tasked with social support and educational initiatives, casting a wider impact on public service and accountability in government.
