The media landscape in the United States has been dealt a significant blow, as over 1,300 employees of Voice of America (VOA), a prominent US media outlet, were furloughed on Saturday, March 18, 2023. This drastic move comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s executive order to cut funding for the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which provides financial support to non-profit organizations and media outlets, including VOA, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Free Asia. These organizations were initially established to counter communist propaganda, but now face an uncertain future.
As reported by foreign news agencies, Trump’s decision has left VOA, in particular, reeling, with nearly its entire workforce being placed on temporary leave. The outlet’s director, Michael Pack, confirmed that journalists, producers, and support staff are among those affected, rendering the organization incapable of producing and disseminating content. This development has sparked concerns about the potential silencing of a critical voice in the US media landscape.
According to a report by CBS News, VOA employees were informed of the decision via email by Crystal Thomas, USAGM’s human resources director. Freelancers and contract workers were also affected, as the organization can no longer afford to pay them. Similarly, Radio Free Asia and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty have seen their federal funding cut, with their managers instructed to minimize operations to the bare minimum required by law.
The White House has defended the move, accusing VOA of being a biased and radical outlet that opposes Trump. The administration claims that the decision ensures taxpayer dollars will no longer be used to fund what it describes as radical, left-leaning, and partisan propaganda. However, critics view this move as an attempt to stifle press freedom and silence a vocal critic of the Trump administration.
This development is seen as the latest effort by Trump to undermine VOA, which he has consistently criticized for its perceived bias against him since his first term in office. The appointment of Kelley Leach, a Trump loyalist, as a special advisor to USAGM has also raised eyebrows. As the situation unfolds, concerns about the impact on press freedom and the ability of these organizations to continue their work remain.