Trump administration to cut over 500 jobs at VOA

Trump administration has announced plans to lay off more than 500 employees at Voice of America (VOA), a U.S. government-funded international broadcaster, reports BBC.

The decision, confirmed by VOA’s acting CEO Carrie Lake, will affect 532 staff positions.

The administration says the cuts are part of a broader effort to reduce federal bureaucracy, improve service delivery, and save taxpayer money. However, the VOA employee union has described the move as “illegal” and part of a politically motivated effort to reshape the organisation.

Founded during World War II as a tool to counter Nazi propaganda, Voice of America today broadcasts in nearly 50 languages and is one of the world’s largest international news services.

The announcement follows a turbulent few months for the agency. In June, Carrie Lake initially announced plans to cut 639 positions, but the move was delayed due to procedural errors and subsequent legal action by employees.

The latest layoff notice comes just days after a U.S. federal judge ruled that the administration had not followed proper legal procedures in its attempt to remove VOA Director Michael Abramowitz.

The court has also ordered Lake to testify in the case.

A group of employees has filed a lawsuit seeking to halt the layoffs and prevent what they allege is an attempt to dismantle the independence of the broadcaster.

The White House had previously criticised VOA, branding it "radical" and accusing it of biased reporting.