Trump administration suspends Voice of America and other government-funded media employees

The Trump administration has ordered employees of Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Asia, Radio Free Europe, and other government-funded media outlets to go on leave. 

This surprising move is expected to cause significant disruptions to these media organizations, which have been operating for several decades.

Over the weekend, staff at these outlets were informed via email that they would no longer be able to access their offices. 

They were also instructed to return their press passes and other materials provided by their respective offices. 

The message came as a major blow to the operations of these well-established institutions.

These media outlets have long been seen as key players in combating misinformation, especially from countries like Russia and China. 

As Reuters reports, they have been crucial in the battle against disinformation for years. 

But with this new directive from the Trump administration, these outlets are facing an uncertain future.

On Friday, President Trump issued an executive order that labeled the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees these media outlets, as part of the federal bureaucracy and something that he believes is no longer necessary. 

In fact, Trump has also moved to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of Education, signaling a broader shift in priorities.

Kari Lake, a vocal supporter of Trump, currently serves as the special advisor for USAGM. 

She emailed the affected media outlets, informing them that they would no longer be receiving funding from the federal government.

Michael Abramowitz, the director of VOA, confirmed that he was one of the 1,300 employees sent on leave this past Saturday, alongside other staff members.

One of the most significant reactions came from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, an organization that began its broadcasts during the Cold War. 

Its leaders have referred to the suspension of funding as “a huge gift to America’s enemies,” raising concerns about the long-term impact of this decision.