Trump Administration Lays Off 600 VOA Staff

The Trump administration terminated nearly 600 contractors—over one-third of the staff—at Voice of America (VOA), a government-funded news network that provides independent journalism to countries with limited press freedom. The layoffs, which mostly affect foreign national journalists who may now face deportation to authoritarian countries, took place despite a court order requiring the preservation of VOA's news operations. Senior adviser Kari Lake stated the firings were part of efforts to reduce federal bureaucracy. VOA Director Michael Abramowitz called the action 'inexplicable' and raised concerns for the safety of the dismissed journalists. The federal building housing VOA was also put up for sale, underscoring the administration's broader downsizing efforts. Advocacy groups and legal teams have pledged to challenge the dismissals in court, citing humanitarian and press freedom concerns.