Far beyond simplistic propaganda, VOA serves as a critical tool for the U.S. government to advance democracy and combat authoritarianism around the world. Today, it is under threat by a short-sighted reduction in force (RIF) now underway by the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). This proposal will cut 532 jobs, affecting thousands of full-time federal workers at VOA and other agencies under the corporation’s jurisdiction.
As of today, VOA has just 86 employees still on the job, with a shocking 512 more currently on administrative leave. This extreme step is taken against a backdrop of persistent discord over the agency’s course and command. VOA’s Director, Michael Abramowitz, has been put on administrative leave. This decision comes after the order for his termination, which is to take effect August 31. His removal came at such a momentous legal time. A federal judge ruled that the dismissal, as a result, cannot go through without the new majority’s consent from the International Broadcasting Advisory Board. Judge Royce Lamberth made it clear that terminating Abramowitz would be “plainly contrary to law.”
These actions are part of an unmistakable pattern and plan from the Trump administration. Along with VOA, they sought to undermine international media agencies such as RNW’s media arm. In March, Abramowitz cautioned that attempts to dismantle the agency would represent a “self-inflicted blow” to American national security, warning that it would allow adversaries to shape global narratives about America.
In June, more than 600 agency employees were served with layoff notices. Furthermore, plans were already in place to issue RIF notices to 486 employees of VOA – by far the largest of the “contractors.” The administration has made clear it wants to keep just 108 employees from VOA and shrink the workforce by more than half.
Worries about the effects of these layoffs go far beyond a few bureaucratic figures. Jaewoo Park, an employee with Radio Free Asia, articulated the risks that many staff members face, stating, “We have many co-workers in different services, several of whom came here and sought asylum visas. If their own government knew they worked for RFA and they went back to their own country, their lives would be at risk.”
According to Park, this is particularly concerning given that authoritarian regimes have allegedly lauded the administration’s efforts to attack U.S. media outlets. He stated, “In Burma, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, there were people who fought for freedom and democracy, and they came to work at RFA. It’s very risky for them. Their lives are in danger if Radio Free Asia doesn’t exist.”
These layoffs have more insidious ramifications that ring all too familiar in the backdrop of a global information warfare. Nations such as China and Russia seem to be reaping benefits because of it. Park presented one of the biggest challenges facing the United States. He said that in this new global information war, our adversaries such as China and Russia are winning the battle by leaps and bounds.
In the middle of this chaos, staff are not willing to go quietly. These attorneys are prepared to challenge all illegal actions that they believe have been imposed by the administration. “We will continue to fight for what we believe to be our rights under the law,” stated a representative from the affected employee group.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) articulated its stance on the matter: “AFSCME members who fulfill the Congressionally mandated mission to broadcast Voice of America around the globe shine the beacon of freedom on the most oppressive regimes. Now, because they have been fighting to keep Voice of America’s mission alive, their own voice on the job has been stripped from them. AFSCME will fight this illegal action in court.”
VOA workers have likewise been vocal about their displeasure at what they call a never-ending assault on their agency. We are repulsed by Lake’s ongoing assault on our agency,” they said in a statement delivered by a spokesman.
“As this situation unfolds, Michael Abramowitz remains vocal about the critical importance of maintaining America’s narrative abroad. “If America pulls off the playing field and cedes it to our adversaries, then they’re going to be telling the narratives that people around the world are going to be hearing, and that can’t be good for America,” he stated.”
As Kari Lake, the new acting CEO of USAGM, prepares to take your agency’s performance up another notch, she faces criticism for her main tactics. “I look forward to taking additional steps in the coming months to improve the functioning of a very broken agency and make sure America’s voice is heard abroad where it matters most,” she remarked.