The Trump administration has dealt a major blow to Voice of America (VOA) by slashing over 500 additional jobs, intensifying the dismantling of the U.S.-funded international broadcaster. Despite fierce opposition from Democrats, Kari Lake, acting CEO of VOA’s parent agency — the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) — announced the latest wave of layoffs, saying the move follows President Trump’s directive to shrink the federal bureaucracy and cut spending.

Lake defended the layoffs in a public statement, claiming the restructuring will ultimately enhance VOA’s mission to deliver truthful reporting to populations living under oppressive regimes. She asserted that the agency had become bloated and ineffective, and that the reduction in force (RIF) would allow it to “function better” by eliminating inefficiencies. In total, 532 full-time VOA positions were eliminated in this round of cuts.

The reduction follows earlier moves that placed nearly all VOA staffers on administrative leave in March and terminated over 600 contractors in May. The Trump administration has argued VOA lost its original purpose and evolved into a partisan platform for left-leaning narratives. By contrast, critics see the move as a politically motivated dismantling of a historically vital outlet for U.S. soft power.

The cuts triggered legal resistance, particularly after a federal judge blocked the attempted removal of VOA Director Michael Abramowitz. Plaintiffs argue the firings violate federal law, which requires congressional oversight and approval for such large-scale actions. A lawsuit is ongoing, and employees promise to scrutinize Lake’s justification during legal proceedings.

Further controversy erupted after a longtime VOA employee, Seth Jason, was arrested for allegedly making death threats against Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Prosecutors say he used VOA facilities to place violent calls between October 2023 and January 2024, highlighting security and ethical concerns within the organization as it faces collapse.