Instant Insight

30-Second Take

• Kari Lake, a senior advisor to the U.S. Agency for Global Media, testified in a hearing about the agency’s downfall.
• Lake recently shut down Voice of America and other government-run networks, citing mismanagement and security risks.
• The move has left over 1,000 employees on paid administrative leave and terminated grant agreements with other networks.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

Kari Lake, appointed by President Trump as a senior advisor to the U.S. Agency for Global Media, has been at the center of a significant controversy. On March 15, 2025, Lake shut down Voice of America and other networks under the agency, placing most employees on paid administrative leave and terminating grant agreements.

Core Players

• Kari Lake – Senior advisor to the U.S. Agency for Global Media, former Trump adviser
• Donald Trump – President of the United States
• U.S. Agency for Global Media – Oversees Voice of America and other international broadcasting networks
• Voice of America – U.S.-funded international broadcasting service

Key Numbers

• 1,042 – Number of full-time employees placed on paid administrative leave
• 1,147 – Total full-time employees at the U.S. Agency for Global Media
• March 15, 2025 – Date of the shutdown and administrative leave
• September 30, 2025 – End date for the agency’s current funding

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

Kari Lake’s decision to shut down Voice of America and other networks was justified by claims of mismanagement, security risks, and the infiltration of spies and terrorist sympathizers within the agency.

Lake stated, “This agency is not salvageable. From top-to-bottom this agency is a giant rot and burden to the American taxpayer—a national security risk for this nation—and irretrievably broken.”

Inside Forces

The internal dynamics of the U.S. Agency for Global Media have been marred by allegations of mismanagement and political interference. Lake’s actions reflect a broader effort to align the agency with the policies of the previous Trump administration.

The agency’s funding was secured through a continuing resolution adopted by Congress on March 15, 2025, but this has not mitigated the operational disruptions caused by the shutdown.

Power Dynamics

Kari Lake’s role as a senior advisor, appointed by President Trump, gives her significant influence over the agency’s operations. Her actions have been seen as a reflection of Trump’s policies and his ongoing impact on federal agencies.

The shutdown has also highlighted the political tensions within the agency and the broader implications for U.S. international broadcasting.

Outside Impact

The shutdown of Voice of America and other networks has significant implications for global journalism and U.S. foreign policy. It affects the dissemination of information to international audiences and raises concerns about the role of U.S.-funded media in promoting democratic values.

Journalists and employees affected by the shutdown face uncertainty about their future, and the move has sparked criticism from media and human rights organizations.

Future Forces

The future of the U.S. Agency for Global Media and its networks remains uncertain. The agency’s operations are set to be reviewed, and potential reforms or restructuring could be on the horizon.

Key areas to watch include:

• Reinstatement or restructuring of the agency
• Changes in funding and operational policies
• Impact on global journalism and U.S. foreign policy
• Long-term effects on employees and grant recipients

Data Points

• March 15, 2025 – Date of the shutdown and administrative leave
• September 30, 2025 – End date for the agency’s current funding
• 1,042 – Number of full-time employees placed on paid administrative leave
• $100s-of-millions – Alleged spending on “fake news companies” by the agency