The Trump administration recently executed a significant round of layoffs at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), affecting over 500 employees, as the Washington Examiner reports.
This reduction aligns with broader efforts to streamline federal agencies and follows an executive order focused on minimizing federal bureaucracy.
On Friday evening, Kari Lake, appointed by President Donald Trump as a senior adviser to USAGM, announced the layoffs. She referred to the action as a “reduction in force” (RIF), underlining that the move was necessary to cut back on federal bureaucracy. Lake emphasized that these steps are meant to enhance agency efficiency while conserving public funds, in keeping with the president’s aims.
Significant impact for agency unfolds
The reduction impacted 532 employees who received termination notices from the agency. All affected employees will see their contracts expire at the end of September.
While the downsizing is significant, Lake asserted that USAGM would continue meeting its statutory obligations, despite the challenges posed by the decreased workforce.
The decision corresponds with an executive order issued by President Trump in March, which focused on minimizing the operational breadth of federal agencies. This fits into Trump’s broader agenda of reducing what he sees as bureaucratic inefficiencies within government structures. The executive order has paved the way for such actions across multiple federal institutions.
USAGM manages several influential broadcasting networks, including the Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
These networks have historically been pivotal in providing news and cultural programming worldwide, fostering a distinct representation of American perspectives abroad.
Organizational changes challenged in court
Voice of America, one of the entities under USAGM, was initially established in 1942 and has served as a primary channel for international communication long before USAGM came into existence in 1999.
Despite the restructuring, Lake assured stakeholders that the agency would ensure the U.S. voice remains strong across global platforms where it is most impactful.
Earlier this year, Lake had already taken significant steps in reshaping VOA’s upper management by placing several employees, including its director, on administrative leave.
These actions further underline broad efforts by the administration to reformulate the agency’s operations and personnel landscape.
However, in a legal twist, a judge recently ordered the temporary reinstatement of VOA Director Michael Abramowitz. This development came just ahead of Labor Day weekend, and notably marks another phase in the ongoing administrative changes within USAGM.
Lake’s promise of reform
Looking forward, Lake mentioned her eagerness to advance further improvements at USAGM. She acknowledged that more steps are necessary to rectify what she described as a “very broken agency.” Her remarks indicate a resolve to ensure that America’s communications strategy abroad is both effective and efficient.
Lake articulated this vision clearly, saying, “I look forward to taking additional steps in the coming months to improve the functioning of a very broken agency and make sure America’s voice is heard abroad where it matters most.”
While the layoffs and restructuring efforts are substantial, they underscore the administration’s commitment to revamping how federal agencies operate. By focusing on cuts and reshaping operations, the administration seeks to align these entities more closely with its fiscal and functional goals.
As USAGM navigates these changes, the future dynamics of its international broadcasting and associated impacts remain a focal point of interest for observers. The steps taken so far showcase a determined strategy to reshape the agency’s framework and delivery capabilities.
Observers within media and governmental circles will closely watch how these policies and organizational changes affect USAGM’s ability to fulfill its mission. The aim is to ensure that, despite reductions, the agency remains a formidable presence in disseminating American values and information to audiences worldwide.
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Author: Matthias Dathan
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