The Trump administration has abruptly fired nearly 600 contractors at Voice of America (VOA), the U.S.-funded global news outlet. The move impacts more than one-third of VOA’s workforce and comes despite a recent court order aimed at safeguarding the agency’s news operations.
Announced Thursday, the mass terminations include journalists and administrative staff. Many of the dismissed workers are foreign nationals whose visas are tied directly to their VOA employment. As a result, they now face possible deportation.
The firings defy a federal court mandate that requires the U.S. government to maintain VOA’s editorial capacity. Critics say the decision undermines press freedom, especially for an outlet known for delivering independent journalism to countries with restricted media environments.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized VOA, calling its content “radical.” Officials justified the firings under the vague umbrella of “the government’s convenience,” citing the employees’ status as contractors rather than federal employees.
Michael Abramowitz, VOA’s director, expressed deep frustration. “This move is inexplicable,” he wrote in an email to staff. He described himself as “heartbroken” and has since filed a lawsuit to halt what he sees as the dismantling of the network.
Terminated employees received instructions to return VOA property, including badges and press credentials, by 30 May. Notices referenced contract terms rather than performance or conduct as grounds for termination.
Kari Lake, a senior adviser at the U.S. Agency for Global Media, defended the action. Lake, a staunch Trump ally, labeled the agency “unsalvageable” and repeated unverified accusations of corruption. She claimed the firings were legally sound.
However, the decision sparked concern from human rights advocates and lawmakers, especially given the vulnerability of foreign journalists now at risk of deportation. Many fled authoritarian regimes and could face danger if returned to their home countries.
As the Trump administration fires nearly 600 Voice of America contractors, the firings raise urgent questions about political interference in journalism and the treatment of vulnerable media workers. The legal and ethical fallout is likely far from over.
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