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- President Trump senior advisor Kari Lake plans to drastically reduce Voice of America staff from 1,300 to 81 by mid-August.
- Reduction-in-force notices are expected to be sent to all remaining full-time employees this week.
- This move marks a significant downsizing of the agency, which was founded during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda.
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Quick Brief
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Essential Context
Voice of America, an international broadcasting service established over 80 years ago, is facing severe workforce reductions. President Trump senior advisor Kari Lake’s plan aims to reduce the staff from approximately 1,300 full-time employees and contractors to just 81 by mid-August.
Core Players
- Kari Lake – President Trump senior advisor
- Voice of America (VOA) – International broadcasting service under the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM)
- U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) – Oversees VOA and other international broadcasting services
Key Numbers
- 1,300 – Current number of full-time employees and contractors at VOA
- 81 – Proposed number of staff after mid-August
- 600 – Number of contractors dismissed by the President Trump administration earlier this month
- 80+ years – Age of Voice of America since its founding during World War II
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The Catalyst
The drastic reduction in staff is part of a broader restructuring plan envisioned by Kari Lake. This plan follows a series of challenges faced by VOA, including previous workforce reductions and financial struggles.
Reduction-in-force notices are expected to be sent to all remaining full-time employees this week, marking a significant step toward the planned downsizing.
Inside Forces
Internal dynamics at VOA and USAGM indicate that the agency is bracing for significant changes. Discussions within VOA teams suggest that the reduction-in-force notices will affect all staff, effectively ceasing the current operations of the international broadcasting service.
The move has raised concerns among employees and unions, who argue that the reductions may breach the collective bargaining agreement.
Power Dynamics
Kari Lake’s plan reflects the influence of President Trump administration policies on the U.S. Agency for Global Media. The President Trump administration has previously taken steps to reduce the workforce at VOA, including the dismissal of nearly 600 contractors earlier this month.
The power dynamics at play highlight the administrative control over VOA and the broader implications for international broadcasting services under USAGM.
Outside Impact
The downsizing of VOA will have broader implications for global communication and U.S. foreign policy. The reduction in staff could impact the agency’s ability to broadcast news and information to international audiences.
Stakeholders, including employees, unions, and international partners, are likely to be affected by this significant reduction in workforce.
Future Forces
The future of Voice of America remains uncertain as the agency navigates these drastic reductions. Key areas to watch include:
- The impact on global broadcasting capabilities
- The response from international partners and audiences
- Potential legal challenges from unions regarding the collective bargaining agreement
- The long-term viability of VOA under the new staffing structure
Data Points
- May 2025: Reduction-in-force notices expected to be sent to all remaining full-time employees
- Earlier this month: Dismissal of nearly 600 contractors by the President Trump administration
- Mid-August 2025: Target date for reducing VOA staff to 81
- 80+ years: Age of Voice of America since its founding during World War II
The planned reduction of Voice of America’s workforce to just 81 staff members by mid-August signals a profound shift in the agency’s operations and its role in international broadcasting. As the agency navigates these changes, the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy and global communication will be closely watched.
