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Trump administration moves to fire most Voice of America journalists

August 30, 2025

The Trump administration has initiated the termination of nearly 500 employees from Voice of America (VOA), a federally funded news organization. Acting CEO of VOA's parent agency, Kari Lake, justified the decision as a means to reduce federal bureaucracy and save taxpayer money, while a union representing employees has declared the action illegal. This latest move follows previous termination attempts that were rescinded due to procedural errors and comes amid ongoing legal challenges from employees, including a recent ruling where a judge determined proper procedures weren't followed in attempting to fire VOA's director.

Who is affected

  • Nearly 500 employees of Voice of America (VOA)
  • VOA as an organization, which would be left with only 108 staff
  • Agency for Global Media (USAGM) employees (532 positions total being eliminated)
  • Michael Abramowitz, VOA's director
  • VOA journalists, most of whom have been on administrative leave since March
  • Farsi-speaking staff who were called back during the Israel-Iran conflict
  • Journalists in the Office of Cuba Broadcasting division (who will not be affected)

What action is being taken

  • The Trump administration is terminating nearly 500 federally funded VOA employees
  • Employees are legally challenging the terminations through lawsuits
  • A judge has ordered Kari Lake to sit for a deposition with lawyers
  • A judge has ruled that the Trump administration did not follow proper procedures in its attempt to fire VOA's director
  • Some Farsi-speaking staff have been called back to work as war between Israel and Iran broke out

Why it matters

  • The terminations affect a major global broadcaster established during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda
  • Critics view the actions as an attack on press freedom
  • The reduction impacts America's ability to exercise soft power abroad
  • The administration has characterized VOA as "anti-Trump" and "radical"
  • VOA broadcasts content in almost 50 languages globally
  • The decision affects a significant federally funded news organization with international reach

What's next

  • Kari Lake will be deposed and questioned by lawyers
  • Employees will continue legal challenges against the terminations
  • The court will determine whether Lake's plan followed the "rigorous review process that Congress requires"

Read full article from source: BBC