Summary
The Trump administration plans to fire over 500 people working for the US Agency for Global Media, mainly targeting Voice of America staff. This move is part of ongoing actions since June to significantly reduce the agency's workforce.
Key Facts
- The plan is to fire 486 Voice of America staff and 46 US Agency for Global Media staff.
- Acting CEO Kari Lake said the firings would reduce bureaucracy and save money.
- A judge recently ruled that the administration did not follow proper procedures when trying to fire VOA's director.
- The firings would leave 108 employees at VOA and 158 at the larger agency.
- Critics claim that reducing VOA's staff is an attack on press freedom.
- VOA broadcasts in nearly 50 languages, serving as a major global broadcaster.
- Some employees are fighting the cuts in court, arguing they bypass legal procedures.
- The layoffs do not affect staff in the Office of Cuba Broadcasting.
