Trump's attack on Voice of America continues, 600 employees fired
The redundancies affect more than a third of the workforce and mainly affect the broadcaster's external employees, but also some of its administrative employees
1' min read
1' min read
US President Donald Trump has laid off almost 600 employees of Voice of America (Voa), a federally funded international radio and television broadcaster that provides independent services in countries with limited press freedom. The layoffs affect more than a third of Voa's workforce and mainly affect the station's external staff, but also some of its administrative employees.
The cuts come at a time when the Trump administration aims to reduce Voa's size and reorganise its editorial strategy. A few days ago, Kari Lake, who serves as a senior advisor at the US Agency for Global Media (Usagm), said Voa will partner with conservative broadcaster One America News to provide news agency services to Usagm networks.
Confirming the Trump administration's aversion to Voa, the federal building that houses Voa's headquarters was put up for sale yesterday. Voa director Michael Abramowitz wrote in an email to his staff that the layoffs are 'inexplicable'.
Voa, founded in 1942, ceased operations last 15 March, one day after Trump signed an executive order aimed at downsizing Usagm. Voa reopened in April after a judge ruled against the government's decision.
