Hundreds of Voice of America Reporters Fired as Trump Guts Agency/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump’s administration fired over 600 Voice of America (VOA) journalists, citing bias and inefficiency. The move dismantles decades of U.S.-backed international reporting, especially in regions lacking press freedom. Critics call it a blow to independent journalism and U.S. democratic ideals abroad.
Quick Look
- Mass Layoffs: Around 639 journalists—about 85% of staff—were dismissed by VOA leadership appointed by Trump.
- Justification & Criticism: The administration cited bias and inefficiency; reporters see it as dismantling 83 years of independent journalism.
- Global Impact: The cuts affect VOA and other USAGM outlets, undermining reporting in regions with limited press freedom.
Hundreds of Voice of America Reporters Fired as Trump Guts Agency
Deep Look
In a sweeping move, the Trump administration has fired hundreds of journalists—roughly 85% of its workforce—at Voice of America (VOA) and related outlets. VOA Chief Steve Herman lamented the move, calling it a “historic act of self‑sabotage.” Established during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda, VOA has since served as a beacon of independent journalism abroad.
Kari Lake, the VOA director installed by President Trump, stated that the layoffs targeted an agency “riddled with dysfunction, bias and waste,” aiming to advance the administration’s goal of diminishing federal bureaucracy. In total, about 1,400 employees have been let go since March, leaving just 50 roles across VOA, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, and the broader U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM).
The dismissals originally targeted Persian‑language staff, some of whom had returned from administrative leave during regional tensions, only to be blocked from reentering after termination notices went out.
Three VOA journalists currently pursuing legal action against the agency described the firings as spelling “the death of 83 years of independent journalism that upholds US ideals of democracy and freedom around the world.” Critics caution that these cuts will seriously impair news coverage in authoritarian states where reliable information is scarce—places like China, Russia, North Korea, and beyond.
This purge stems from a March directive by Trump to dismantle VOA and USAGM “to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.” The move reflects broader efforts by Trump to defund federal journalism funding, consistent with his longstanding critique of mainstream U.S. media and his support for abolishing public broadcasting funding for NPR and PBS.
Supporters of the decision, such as former VOA correspondent Dan Robinson, argue the agency had strayed from its mission, evolving into a “hubris‑filled rogue operation often reflecting a leftist bias aligned with partisan national media.” Critics, however, see the dismantling as damaging U.S. soft power and undermining a trusted source of news in regions with limited press freedom.
As VOA staffers weigh legal options and the future of U.S.-funded international broadcasting hangs in the balance, the global media community watches closely, questioning whether the voice of America will be silenced—or forced to adapt.
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