Voice of America now operates with fewer than 15% of its original workforce after another sweeping round of layoffs last week that cut 639 positions. The move brings the total number of staff dismissed since March to more than 1,400, as the Trump administration pushes forward with plans to dismantle the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
The cuts are at the heart of a growing legal fight. In a hearing Monday, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth pressed government attorneys over what he described as noncompliance with court orders and congressional mandates. “What would be the point of Voice of America if there is no voice?” he asked from the bench, criticizing the administration’s efforts to hollow out the federally funded international broadcaster.
The controversy stems from a March directive issued by President Trump instructing the agency to be “eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.” Despite an injunction in April requiring the administration to maintain VOA’s statutory functions, the workforce has been slashed by more than 85%.
While parts of Judge Lamberth’s order have been stayed on appeal, key provisions—like maintaining the agency’s legal mission—are still in force. The judge indicated Monday that the administration’s actions may be in violation of that ruling, and ordered both sides to file additional briefs by next week.
In court, government lawyers revealed the administration’s new plan: rather than maintaining a full-time news operation, USAGM would rely on freelance or on-call journalists, brought in during major global events. The shift would fundamentally alter VOA’s role, reducing its ability to provide consistent news coverage in the countries where it serves as a critical alternative to state media.
A final decision in the case could come within weeks. Until then, the remaining staff at VOA continue working under extreme uncertainty, as its future hangs in the balance between legal mandates and executive orders.