Trump Dismantles Voice of America and Other Federal Agencies
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to dismantle the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and its associated entities, including Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. This decision is part of a broader effort to reduce what Trump calls a "bloated federal bureaucracy."
The Trump administration asserts that VOA has been portraying a "leftist" view contrary to American values and dispensing biased reports. They argue that VOA and USAGM have strayed from their original mission and purpose.
The executive order targets seven government entities:
- United States Agency for Global Media
- Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
- Interagency Council on Homelessness
- Institute of Museum and Library Services
- Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
- Community Development Financial Institutions Fund
- Minority Business Development Agency
Each agency is to be scaled back, with non-essential components cut significantly. Trump aims to bring what he describes as a massive government apparatus in line with legal necessities. This move reflects his campaign promises to create a leaner government.
Why now? One reason could be the question of accountability. Some argue that agencies like VOA have operated without direct oversight for too long. Critics, however, contend that this reduction goes too far, potentially jeopardizing diverse voices worldwide.
This decision has significant implications for the global media landscape. It raises questions about the role of government-funded media moving forward and sets a new precedent for presidential power in reshaping government functions.
Controversies Surrounding Voice of America
The controversies surrounding Voice of America (VOA) have accumulated into a substantial basis for its dismantling under the Trump administration. Accusations of bias are central, with claims that VOA has consistently promoted divisive and partisan perspectives.
Key allegations include:
- Hamas coverage: Critics argue that VOA refrained from highlighting controversial celebrations of Hamas supporters in Gaza following incidents involving Israeli hostages.
- "White privilege" discourse: In 2020, VOA published a piece examining the concept, which some viewed as aligning with partisan views rather than delivering unbiased news.
- Political coverage: The agency's treatment of sensitive topics, such as the 2020 presidential campaign and the Hunter Biden laptop controversy, was scrutinized for potentially downplaying important news.
These instances exemplify the arguments used by Trump to justify the restructuring and ultimate dismantling of the VOA. From an administrative perspective, the criticisms underscore a view that the agency has veered from supporting "American values."
"VOA has been telling America's story to the world for 83 years this Monday. Sometimes the coverage has been incredible, and sometimes it's been pitiful. We are fighting an information war, and there's no better weapon than the truth, and I believe VOA could be that weapon." – Kari Lake, Special Advisor to USAGM
The dismantling signals a significant recalibration of how America wishes to broadcast its voice to the world. By stepping back from what they see as an international stage rife with "propaganda," Trump's administration seeks to redirect these stories to align more closely with a conservative American ethos.
Impact on Employees and Future of Government-Backed Journalism
The executive order to dismantle the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and Voice of America (VOA) has significantly impacted its employees. Many staff members received notices placing them on administrative leave, leaving them grappling with an uncertain future.
Kari Lake, acting as a senior advisor at USAGM, played a key role in communicating these changes. Her message to employees to "check your email" for information on their employment status underscored the gravity of the situation.
The agency's subsequent press release, labeling it as "not salvageable," revealed the administration's perception of deep-seated inefficiencies and mismanagement within the organization.
The dismantling of VOA has elicited a range of reactions:
- Some see it as a necessary step to eradicate inefficiencies in the federal bureaucracy
- Others view it as a blow to journalistic freedom and diversity in media perspectives
This decision has sparked discussions about the role of state-funded outlets and their ability to serve as independent arbiters of truth in an increasingly polarized world. It underscores the challenges of balancing government oversight with the need to maintain diverse and independent voices in global media.
Key questions for the future:
- How will this restructuring affect the future of government-backed journalism both domestically and internationally?
- What does this mean for the balance between state intervention and media independence?
As we consider these questions, it's clear that the impact of this decision will resonate across the media industry for years to come.
- Trump D. Executive Order on Reducing the Size of the Federal Government. The White House. 2024.
- Abramowitz M. Statement on the Dismantling of Voice of America. Voice of America. 2024.
- Martinez de la Serna C. CPJ Statement on US Agency for Global Media Cuts. Committee to Protect Journalists. 2024.
- Lake K. Message to USAGM Employees. Twitter. 2024.
- National Press Club. Statement on Voice of America Cuts. National Press Club. 2024.