Washington, D.C. – March 16, 2025
In a sweeping move to reduce the size of the federal government, President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 14, 2025, mandating significant cuts to several federal agencies, including the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees Voice of America (VOA). This action has led to widespread concern among media professionals, librarians, and international observers.
Impact on Voice of America
Voice of America, established in 1942, has been a cornerstone of U.S. public diplomacy, broadcasting news and information in 48 languages to an estimated weekly audience of over 280 million people worldwide. The recent executive order has placed all VOA employees on administrative leave, effectively halting its operations. This move has raised alarms about the United States’ commitment to promoting free press and countering disinformation globally.
Michael Abramowitz, the director of VOA, expressed deep concern over the cuts, emphasizing that VOA has played a vital role in promoting democracy and providing unbiased news to international audiences. He warned that silencing VOA could create a vacuum that authoritarian regimes might exploit to spread misinformation.
Broader Agency Reductions
The executive order also targets several other federal entities for significant reductions or elimination, including:
- Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS): As the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums, the IMLS has been instrumental in funding educational programs, preserving cultural heritage, and enhancing public access to information. The order calls for the agency’s elimination, prompting concerns about the future of library and museum funding nationwide.
- Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): This agency, dedicated to supporting minority-owned businesses, faces closure, raising questions about the administration’s commitment to promoting diversity and economic inclusion.
- Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund): Responsible for providing financial assistance to underserved communities, the proposed cuts to the CDFI Fund have sparked fears about reduced investment in low-income areas.
Reactions and Criticisms
The American Library Association (ALA) has condemned the proposed elimination of the IMLS, stating that such a move would devastate the nation’s libraries and the communities they serve. The ALA highlighted that libraries rely on IMLS funding for critical services, including literacy programs, digital access initiatives, and community engagement efforts.
Internationally, press freedom advocates have decried the cuts to VOA and other USAGM entities. Reporters Without Borders issued a statement asserting that the decision undermines global press freedom and emboldens authoritarian regimes that suppress independent journalism.
Domestically, critics argue that the executive order reflects a broader strategy to dismantle agencies that promote diversity, education, and cultural preservation. They contend that such actions could have long-term detrimental effects on societal equity and the nation’s cultural fabric.
Administration’s Justification
The Trump administration has defended the executive order as a necessary step toward reducing government inefficiency and curtailing unnecessary spending. Officials argue that many of the targeted agencies perform functions that overlap with private sector initiatives or state and local government responsibilities. They assert that streamlining federal operations will lead to a more efficient allocation of taxpayer dollars.
Next Steps
The affected agencies have been given seven days to submit plans for implementing the mandated cuts. It remains uncertain how these plans will unfold and what immediate impacts will be felt by the communities and industries these agencies serve. Observers anticipate legal challenges and legislative pushback as stakeholders mobilize to contest the executive order.
