Trump Directs Major Layoffs at U.S. State Media

(MENAFN) In a sharp move to slash what his administration deems wasteful or politically biased spending, US President Donald Trump has directed the elimination of over 500 positions at government-funded propaganda organizations.

The US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), responsible for overseeing Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and other state-backed broadcasters, announced on Friday it will cut 532 jobs.

Acting CEO Kari Lake emphasized the rationale, stating the cuts would “help reduce the federal bureaucracy, improve agency service, and save the American people more of their hard-earned money.”

While Lake did not specify which departments would face the deepest cuts, she asserted the agency’s mission to “improve its ability to function and provide the truth to people across the world who live under murderous Communist governments and other tyrannical regimes.”

This development follows earlier layoffs in June when USAGM issued notices to over 600 employees. VOA director Michael Abramowitz was placed on administrative leave before being fired. During ensuing litigation, it emerged that 486 of the workers affected by the “reduction-in-forces” plan were VOA staff members.

Last week, US District Judge Royce Lamberth ruled that proper procedures were not followed in Abramowitz’s dismissal.

Founded in 1942 to combat Nazi propaganda, VOA evolved into a Cold War instrument under CIA oversight. Trump has criticized the outlet harshly, labeling it a “leftwing disaster” and “Democrat mouthpiece.” In June, he urged Republicans to “kill” the broadcaster.

Notably, Russia revoked VOA’s radio license in 2014 and imposed a full ban on the outlet in 2022, citing biased reporting on the Ukraine conflict.

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