Hundreds Laid Off from Voice of America by Trump Administration

Over one-third of Voice of America's workforce was terminated as the Trump administration initiated the sale of the Washington headquarters housing this federal news outlet.

On Thursday, the administration let go nearly 600 employees of Voice of America, a government-funded broadcaster that delivers independent news to nations with restricted media freedoms.

The termination primarily affected contractors, mainly journalists, but included several administrative positions. This move indicated the administration's intent to further reduce the broadcaster's operations, even after a court ruled to preserve its comprehensive news services amid criticism from President Trump.

Additionally, the building in Washington where the media organization operates was listed for sale, underscoring the administration's critical stance towards the broadcaster.

Michael Abramowitz, Voice of America’s director, emailed his team expressing disbelief over the job cuts, describing them as “baffling.”

"I am devastated," Abramowitz shared, noting that he has filed a lawsuit to prevent the shutdown of the network by the Trump administration.

Kari Lake, a senior advisor at the U.S. Agency for Global Media, the body overseeing Voice of America, asserted that the administration's actions were within its legal rights.