Mon Mar 17 05:07:51 UTC 2025: ## Trump Administration Initiates Mass Layoffs at Voice of America, Silencing US-Funded Media

**Washington D.C.** – The Trump administration launched mass layoffs at Voice of America (VOA) and other US-funded media outlets on Sunday, effectively dismantling organizations long considered crucial for American global influence. The move, following a Friday executive order targeting the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), has left many employees, particularly contractors, facing immediate unemployment.

Contractors, who comprise a significant portion of VOA’s workforce, especially in non-English language services, received termination notices effective March 31st, with immediate cessation of work and building access mandated. This impacts numerous non-US citizens who rely on their VOA positions for visas. While full-time staff remain on administrative leave, their future is uncertain.

The sweeping cuts extend to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Radio Farda (Persian-language), and Alhurra (Arabic-language), all vital for reaching countries with limited media freedom or those actively suppressing dissenting voices. The White House justified the action by claiming taxpayers should no longer fund “radical propaganda,” a novel accusation against outlets traditionally focused on counteracting authoritarian narratives.

The administration’s actions are part of a broader effort to significantly downsize the federal government, aligning with President Trump’s stated goals of tax cuts and reduced government spending, as advised by Elon Musk. This comes amid increased competition from state-run media in China and Russia, which are aggressively expanding their global reach.

VOA, established during World War II, broadcasts in 49 languages, while the USAGM, with 3,384 employees in fiscal year 2023, had requested $950 million in funding for the current year. The cuts have already resulted in some VOA services resorting to playing music due to a lack of new programming. The implications for US soft power and global information dissemination are substantial, with critics highlighting the potential impact on press freedom and the spread of disinformation. State-run media outlets in China have already celebrated the event, viewing it as a blow to Western media dominance.

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