Concerns About Recession Continue Amid Inflation and Trade Conflicts
During a recent interview with Fox News, President Donald Trump did not dismiss the chance of a recession as his administration faces ongoing trade tensions.
- On Friday, President Trump signed an executive order to downsize seven federal agencies, including the U.S. Agency for Global Media, the parent organization of Voice of America.
- This week, employees of the agency were notified via email that they had been placed on administrative leave until further updates are provided.
- As a federally funded entity, the Agency for Global Media oversees six networks that engage in non-military international broadcasting.
Numerous employees of the U.S. government-funded international news service find themselves on administrative leave this week.
In an executive order issued on Friday, President Trump detailed plans to shrink seven federal agencies, including the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees Voice of America. The order lists agencies deemed “unnecessary” by Trump.
“President Trump is fulfilling his commitment to enhance the efficiency of our government,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told USA TODAY on Saturday. “American taxpayers shouldn’t be financing anti-American propaganda disguised as journalism.”
In an email to employees of the Agency for Global Media, which was obtained by Reuters and the New York Times, it was confirmed that staff members were being placed on administrative leave with full pay and benefits, until further notice.
The email stressed that “this administrative leave is not being undertaken for any disciplinary reasons.”
On Saturday morning, Kari Lake, the senior advisor for the Agency for Global Media, urged staff to check their emails for further updates regarding the order. Lake, appointed to the position by Trump in December, refrained from additional comments.
Here’s what is known about the implications of the executive order for the Agency for Global Media and, consequently, for Voice of America.
Employees Requested to Return Badges, Log Off Systems, but Remain Available
The communication sent to employees of the Agency for Global Media directed them to return identification badges and press passes, as well as other official government properties. Those placed on leave are also prohibited from accessing Agency for Global Media locations or systems.
However, all employees on administrative leave must remain reachable during standard business hours, as agency officials may attempt to contact them, the email indicated. Should employees be requested to come back to work, they are expected to do so within one business day.
The specific number of employees placed on administrative leave has not been disclosed by the federal agency. Neither Trump’s administration nor Agency for Global Media Human Resources Director Crystal Thomas offered immediate comments when USA TODAY reached out on Saturday.
Did DOGE Influence the Agency for Global Media?
As per a White House Fact Sheet, the Department of Government Efficiency, a federal advisory group led by billionaire Elon Musk, played a role in identifying the agency for downsizing.
Musk has openly criticized the federal agency on X, alleging that the Agency for Global Media has been financing media outlets to promote a “left-leaning” agenda.
What is the U.S. Agency for Global Media?
Funded by Congress, the Agency for Global Media manages all non-military international broadcasting. Besides Voice of America, the agency also oversees Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, Radio Free Asia, and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, in addition to the Open Technology Fund.
The Agency for Global Media provides news in 64 languages to over 427 million individuals across all of its networks, as indicated on its website.
Established in 1994 by President Bill Clinton, the Broadcasting Board of Governors previously oversaw all U.S. international non-military broadcasting, including Voice of America, which has existed since the 1940s. In 2018, the Broadcasting Board of Governors transitioned to become the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
What is Voice of America?
Also known as VOA, Voice of America is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, delivering news in 50 languages to over 354 million individuals, according to its official website. The broadcaster produces content in digital, television, and radio formats.
VOA was formed in 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, originally named the U.S. Foreign Information Service. This initiative came as various nations were establishing effective international news broadcasting, with the Netherlands pioneering radio news broadcasts globally in 1927, as cited on VOA’s website.
While financed by the government, a “firewall” established by the 1994 U.S. International Broadcasting Act prevents government personnel from interfering with VOA’s “objective, independent” journalism, according to the VOA website.
“The firewall guarantees that VOA has the final say on which stories to cover and how they should be reported,” states the website.
Which Other Agencies is Trump Targeting for Downsizing?
Trump’s executive order also aims to reduce the size of the following six federal agencies:
- Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
- Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars within the Smithsonian Institution
- Institute of Museum and Library Services
- United States Interagency Council on Homelessness
- Community Development Financial Institutions Fund
- Minority Business Development Agency
This article has been updated to include new information.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Have a story idea? Email her at [email protected].
