Voice of America’s full-time staff and contractors placed on leave following Trump directive

The recent developments at the Voice of America (VOA), the nation’s largest international broadcaster, have sent shockwaves through the media industry. All full-time employees and contractors with the government-funded VOA have been placed on administrative leave, according to multiple sources.

The news came in an email sent out by Crystal G. Thomas, director of human resources for the U.S. Agency of Global Affairs Media (USAGM), which oversees the VOA and other state-funded news agencies. This move affects everyone from reporters to senior managers, as well as personal services contractors.

Employees were caught off guard as they received the notice, with some even being turned away from the VOA headquarters in Washington, D.C. Freelancers and stringers worldwide, along with those on monthly contracts, were also instructed to stop working due to the inability to pay them.

The decision to place VOA staff on administrative leave comes in the wake of President Trump signing an executive order that aims to make significant cuts at USAGM and other agencies. This order calls for a reduction in the performance of statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum required by law.

Michael Abramowitz, director of Voice of America, expressed deep sadness over the situation, stating that the agency’s vital mission is now in jeopardy. With an audience of 361 million worldwide in 49 languages, VOA has played a crucial role in providing accurate information to regions that are often underrepresented.

The impact of these actions is significant, especially at a time when misinformation from adversaries like Iran, China, and Russia is on the rise. VOA journalists are concerned about the loss of soft power to countries that seek to discredit the United States on the global stage.

In a surprising twist, President Trump had appointed Republican Kari Lake, a former news anchor with unsuccessful political campaigns, as the director of Voice of America. Lake had emphasized that VOA was not meant to become a platform for Trump’s agenda, but rather to serve its original purpose.

However, recent developments have seen Lake taking on a new role as a special adviser to USAGM, raising questions about the future of VOA under her leadership. Emails obtained by CBS News indicate that federal grants for Radio Free Asia and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty have also been terminated.

The uncertainty surrounding the fate of VOA and its employees has left many in the media industry concerned. The rich history and global reach of Voice of America make it an invaluable asset in promoting American values and countering misinformation. As the situation continues to unfold, the future of VOA remains uncertain, with potential implications for U.S. foreign relations and national security.