Nancy Odindo, a journalist with .co.ke, has accumulated more than four years of expertise in reporting on politics, current events, and features through both digital and print platforms in Kenya.
United States More than 1,300 Voice of America (VOA) staff members were put on administrative leave over the weekend after President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at reducing activities within the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) along with six additional federal entities.
In an internal memorandum, VOA employees learned that they would be placed on "paid administrative leave including all benefits" until further notice, making clear that this step was not taken "for any disciplinary reason."
Michael Abramowitz, who leads VOA, conveyed profound grief regarding this unparalleled action.
For the first time in 83 years, the renowned Voice of America is being quieted. This morning, I discovered that nearly all employees at Voice of America—including over 1,300 reporters, creators, and support personnel—are now on administrative leave as of today," wrote Abramowitz on LinkedIn. "So am I.
Founded in 1942, VOA currently reaches more than 360 million individuals each week across 48 different languages. Abramowitz cautioned that such actions would significantly hinder VOA’s ability to advance its mission of promoting freedom and democracy, particularly within areas governed by authoritarian regimes.
"Despite the possibility that the agency might endure in some capacity, the steps initiated by the Administration today will significantly erode Voice of America’s capability to advocate for a secure and open globe, thereby not effectively protecting U.S. interests," he stated additionally.
The larger USAGM, employing roughly 3,500 staff members with an estimated budget of KSh 128.47 billion for 2024, supervises various other broadcasting entities such as Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia.
The financial support for two U.S. news outlets broadcasting to authoritarian governments was likewise cut off.
The VOA's Seoul Bureau Chief, William Gallo, verified that he was denied access to all company systems and accounts.
"All I've ever aimed to do is report honestly and speak the truth, regardless of which administration I'm covering. If this poses a threat to anybody, then so be it," he wrote on Bluesky.
As reported by The Hill, staff members were asked to keep themselves available via telephone and email during working hours and to submit their private contact details—such as phone numbers, email addresses, and postal addresses—by Monday, March 17th.
They were not allowed to enter workplaces or use USAGM internal systems unless they had received prior approval from either human resources or their supervisors.
On Friday, March 14, President Trump issued an executive order instructing USAGM along with six additional agencies to scale down their activities to only what is legally mandatory. The rationale provided was to decrease governmental overhead.
"President Donald J. Trump's executive order on Friday will ensure that taxpayers are no longer on the hook for radical propaganda," the statement stated.
This action has generated significant worry regarding the prospects for VOA and its essential function in delivering impartial and balanced reporting, especially within areas where freedom of the press is limited.
More to follow...
