Sun Mar 16 14:35:24 UTC 2025: ## Trump Executive Order Silences Voice of America, Sparking International Outcry

**Washington, D.C.** – A sweeping executive order signed by President Donald Trump has effectively silenced the Voice of America (VOA) and other US government-funded news agencies, prompting widespread condemnation from press freedom advocates and agency officials. The order, titled “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy,” dramatically reduces the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Radio Martí.

Nearly all 1,300 VOA employees, including Director Michael Abramowitz, have been placed on administrative leave. Abramowitz described the action as silencing the 83-year-old agency, which broadcasts to 360 million people weekly in nearly 50 languages. He emphasized VOA’s role in promoting freedom and democracy by providing objective news, especially to those living under authoritarian regimes.

The White House defended the decision, claiming the order prevents taxpayer funding of “radical propaganda” and citing allegations of left-wing bias within VOA. This follows accusations from Republicans that publicly funded media outlets are biased against conservatives.

Reporters Without Borders strongly criticized the move, stating it “threatens press freedom worldwide and negates 80 years of American history in supporting a free flow of information.” Stephen Capus, president and CEO of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, similarly condemned the decision, calling it a “massive gift to America’s enemies” and highlighting the impact on the nearly 50 million people who rely on the agency for unbiased news.

The executive order also impacted other agencies, including the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the US Interagency Council on Homelessness. The abrupt nature of the cuts, announced on Friday night and communicated via email on Saturday morning by Trump advisor Kari Lake, has left employees reeling and sparked concerns about the future of independent journalism and the US government’s commitment to global information dissemination.

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