Trump Administration Cuts Jobs at Voice of America and USAGM

The Trump administration has eliminated 1,400 positions, including 639 at Voice of America, as part of a strategy to streamline federal media operations.

L 33%
C 33%
R 33%

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

1.

The Trump administration has terminated 639 employees at Voice of America, contributing to a total of 1,400 job losses across media outlets.

2.

85% of jobs have been eliminated at the US Agency for Global Media, leaving only 250 employees remaining.

3.

These layoffs are part of a broader strategy to dismantle perceived bureaucratic inefficiencies within U.S.-funded broadcasters.

4.

Kari Lake's leadership has emphasized a shift in agency priorities, including the termination of a $250 million luxury lease.

5.

The executive orders signed by Trump target bloated bureaucracy, significantly reducing staff and operations across federal media organizations.

Written using shared reports from
9 sources
.
Report issue

Analysis

Compare how each side frames the story — including which facts they emphasize or leave out.

Center-leaning sources frame the layoffs at Voice of America as a significant and detrimental action by the Trump administration, highlighting the impact on employees and the agency's mission. The tone reflects concern over the dismantling of a key media outlet, suggesting a bias against the administration's decisions and policies.

Sources (9)

Compare how different news outlets are covering this story.

FAQ

Dig deeper on this story with frequently asked questions.

The Trump administration cut a total of 1,400 jobs across the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and Voice of America (VOA), including 639 job losses specifically at VOA.

Approximately 85% of jobs at the US Agency for Global Media were eliminated, leaving only about 250 employees.

The Trump administration stated the layoffs were to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and unnecessary spending, aiming to streamline operations and prioritize taxpayers’ interests.

Employees from the Persian-language service of Voice of America were among those who received termination notices as part of the layoffs.

Under Kari Lake's leadership, the agency emphasized shifting priorities, including ending a $250 million luxury lease as part of broader cost-cutting and operational restructuring efforts.

History

See how this story has evolved over time.

This story does not have any previous versions.