Trump puts 1,500 journalists on unpaid leave: State broadcaster VOA to be shut down
In an executive order issued late Friday, Trump instructed that the number of personnel at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and its affiliates be reduced to the legally mandated minimum. It was noted that the decision would affect not only VOA but also other state-funded news agencies such as Radio Free Asia.
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Following an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, approximately 1,500 people working for the state-backed broadcaster Voice of America (VOA) have been placed on unpaid leave. According to U.S. media, this step was taken in connection with Trump's decision to target budget cuts at state media organizations.
VOA employees were informed that they had been placed on administrative leave via an email sent by USAGM Director of Human Resources Crystal G. Thomas. Another official from the agency stated that this situation covers all full-time employees, but that personnel whose contracts are set to expire in June are not included in this scope.
According to a report by CBC News, some employees stated that they received the leave decision while on their way to the studio and were told to return home immediately. It was noted that monthly contract workers or freelancers would also be unable to continue their duties due to the elimination of the payment mechanism.
It has been suggested that the journalists placed on unpaid leave in the first phase will be laid off as the Trump administration shuts down VOA. VOA was broadcasting in numerous countries, including Turkey, as well as the U.S. The agency's nearly 1,500 employees worldwide will lose their jobs in line with Trump's decision.
VOA Director Michael Abramowitz
REACTION TO TRUMP FROM VOA MANAGEMENT
VOA Director Michael Abramowitz, while acknowledging that VOA is in need of reform, emphasized that significant steps have been taken in this direction recently. The director argued that the latest decision would prevent the agency from fulfilling its mission.
Confirming on Saturday that almost all of the agency's staff had been placed on administrative leave, Abramowitz stated the following:
''For the first time in 83 years, 'Voice of America' (VOA) is being silenced. This is a great loss, especially at a time when countries like China, Russia, and Iran are spreading fake news to discredit the U.S.''
Founded in 1942, VOA was reaching an audience of 361 million by broadcasting in 50 different languages worldwide. The agency, which aimed to meet the news needs in underrepresented regions, was operating with 2,000 full-time employees and a budget of 260 million dollars before the latest decision.