WASHINGTON, DC — An executive order from U.S. President Donald Trump has led to significant budget cuts at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). As a result, Voice of America (VOA) employees have been placed on paid leave, while funding for two major U.S.-funded international broadcasters—Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Radio Free Asia (RFA)—has been suspended, according to Reuters.
Both Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty have Armenian departments amerikayidzayn.com and Azatutyun.am respectively.
VOA employees received internal memos instructing them not to report to work or access internal systems. The exact number of affected employees remains unclear. At the same time, USAGM has officially halted funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty as well as Radio Free Asia, which provides news coverage for China and North Korea.
Trump’s executive order directs USAGM and six other federal agencies to reduce operations to the legal minimum as part of an effort to downsize the federal government. The order also targets institutions such as the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Minority Business Development Agency, mandating the elimination of non-legislative functions and corresponding staff reductions.
Former broadcaster and Trump supporter Kari Lake has been appointed as the new Director of Voice of America. Lake, who has frequently criticized mainstream media for alleged bias against Trump, has urged VOA employees to check their emails for further instructions.
Press freedom advocates have strongly condemned the decision. Mike Balsamo, president of the National Press Club, warned that weakening Voice of America “undermines America’s commitment to a free and independent press.” Similarly, Reporters Without Borders expressed concern, stating that the move threatens global press freedom and dismantles decades of U.S. support for independent journalism in authoritarian environments.
