Layoffs Announcement in the US: Trump Plans to Eliminate Over 500 Positions at Government-operated Voice of America and its Corporate Entity Facing Legal Issues

U.S. Agency for Global Media Announces Job Cuts and Court Rulings

In a significant development, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) announced a job cut of over 500 positions on Friday, August 30, 2025. The announcement, which refers to the reduction as a RIF (Reduction in Force), came one day after a U.S. federal judge blocked Kari Lake, the agency's acting CEO, from removing Michael Abramowitz as VOA director.

Kari Lake, in her statement, expressed her intention to take additional steps in the coming months to improve the functioning of the agency. She also stated that the agency will continue to fulfill its statutory mission after the RIF and may improve its ability to function.

The RIF will affect more than 600 agency employees, with layoff notices being sent out to these employees. However, the agency intends to retain 158 agency employees and 108 VOA employees.

Meanwhile, a U.S. District Judge, Royce Lamberth, ruled that the Trump administration had failed to show compliance with orders to restore VOA's operations. The judge also stated that firing Abramowitz will be "plainly contrary to law." The ruling directed that Abramowitz cannot be removed without the approval of the majority of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board. The name of the chairman of the International Advisory Council who must approve the removal of Michael Abramowitz as director of the VOA is not provided in the available search results.

The court filing also mentions that the media giant had 137 "active employees" and 62 other employees on administrative leave, while VOA had 86 active employees and 512 others on administrative leave. This suggests a significant disparity in the employment status between the two entities.

The group of agency employees who sued to block VOA's elimination made a statement condemning Lake's actions. They expressed anticipation for Lake's deposition to hear about her plan to dismantle VOA and to see evidence of the rigorous review process required by Congress. Kari Lake was directed to sit for a deposition by lawyers for agency employees by September 15, 2025.

It's important to note that no information was provided about any golf-related activities by U.S. President Donald Trump in the given paragraphs. Similarly, no information was provided about the health of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The U.S. Agency for Global Media is a federal government-owned entity that runs Voice of America and other international broadcasters. The order given by the judge gave the Trump administration a final opportunity to demonstrate compliance, "short of a contempt trial," according to the agency report.

This news marks a significant turning point in the ongoing dispute between the Trump administration and the U.S. Agency for Global Media. The developments are expected to have far-reaching implications for the agency's operations and the future of its employees.

Layoffs Announcement in the US: Trump Plans to Eliminate Over 500 Positions at Government-operated Voice of America and its Corporate Entity Facing Legal Issues