CNN reported that on March 15, Voice of America (VOA) Director Michael Abramowitz said that he and most of his 1,300 employees were suspended from work after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to strongly cut VOA's governing body.
According to listeners' feedback, some of VOA's local radio stations have stopped broadcasting news and switched to playing music to fill their broadcast time. Annamed sources collected by CNN said that even senior editors at VOA have been asked to stop working, causing employees to worry that the global news network could completely stop working.
A veteran reporter said: "The Voice of America has been forced to remain silent."
In addition to the employees who were given a temporary leave, contractors working for VOA were also required to return their entry and exit cards. Several other staff members went to the VOA office to move their personal belongings, fearing a complete ban.
VOA is under the US Environmental Communications Agency (USAGM), which also manages other international media networks such as Radio Free Europe, Radio Free Asia and Middle East broadcasting Networks. These networks are also on the list of cuts by the Trump administration when the operating contract has been terminated.
For decades, the US has sponsored international news programs to reach a global audience. Leaders of both the Republican and Democratic parties have supported efforts to provide accurate information and promote democratic values in areas strongly affected by foreign propaganda.
USAGM's mission statement is clearly stated in the law as "providing information, connecting and connecting people around the world to support freedom and democracy". However, this is not in line with the expectations of the Trump administration.
An internal memorandum of understanding earlier this month stated the agency's mission as "clearly and effectively conveying the Trump administration's policies to the world".
According to CNN, this move is also in line with Elon Musk's statement in February 2025, when he said that international radio stations funded by the government should be completely closed.
Meanwhile, those who support these stations completely opposed the above view, emphasizing that they are a shield to protect democracy, including Republican lawmakers.
Although the future fate of USAGM remains unknown, Mr. Abramowitz emphasized the important role of VOA in defending the US's reputation in the international arena.
He also affirmed that VOA has made a lot of progress in reforming in the context of Mr. Trump's ally saying that USAGM radios are bulky and outdated.
