Kari Lake, the acting CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), has announced a major restructuring of the agency, eliminating 532 positions as part of a broader effort to reduce federal bureaucracy and improve efficiency. This decision was prompted by President Donald Trump’s March executive order, which sought to dismantle operations of Voice of America (VOA) and other U.S. international broadcasters. Lake’s cuts are part of a larger restructuring effort to align USAGM with the administration’s policy goals, which emphasize reducing taxpayer spending and modernizing outdated bureaucratic structures.
The move has sparked controversy, particularly among VOA employees and legal experts. A federal judge recently blocked Lake from firing Michael Abramowitz, former director of VOA, citing procedural issues. The ruling highlights the legal complexities surrounding the Trump administration’s attempts to restructure USAGM. Legal battles continue as Lake seeks to implement changes, including the termination of contracts and the administrative leave of approximately 1,300 VOA employees. Critics argue that these actions may violate congressional mandates and threaten the agency’s ability to fulfill its statutory mission of countering foreign propaganda.
Despite these challenges, Lake maintains that the cuts are essential for improving the agency’s functionality and ensuring that American voices are heard globally. In a memo posted on social media, she emphasized the importance of reducing government waste and enhancing the effectiveness of U.S. international broadcasting. The restructuring also includes plans to improve the agency’s operations and ensure better service to its global audience. However, VOA’s supporters, including its White House Bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara, have criticized the measures as part of an ongoing attack on the agency, asserting that they lack the necessary review processes mandated by Congress.
As the restructuring continues, the debate over the role and independence of U.S. international media agencies remains contentious. The situation underscores broader tensions between administrative priorities and legislative oversight, with implications for the future of global media operations and the dissemination of American political narratives abroad.