Kari Lake Makes New Announcement
President Donald Trump’s top adviser at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), Kari Lake, confirmed Friday night that 532 government jobs have been cut at USAGM and Voice of America (VOA) — a bold move aimed at reducing federal waste and saving taxpayers millions.
Trump and Lake Slash Bureaucracy, Save Taxpayer Money
Lake posted on X that the layoffs were carried out under President Trump’s direction to streamline government, eliminate bloat, and restore accountability.
“These reductions will allow the agency to finally deliver truth to people trapped under murderous Communist regimes,” Lake said. “We are fixing a broken system and making sure America’s voice is heard around the world where it matters most.”
Details of the Cuts
Court filings show that 46 employees at USAGM and 486 at VOA lost their positions. The plan keeps just 158 staff at USAGM and 108 at VOA, reflecting Trump’s push for a leaner, more effective operation.
Judge Blocks Trump from Firing VOA Director
The announcement followed a setback for the administration after a federal judge blocked the removal of VOA Director Michael Abramowitz. Judge Royce Lamberth ruled that Abramowitz could only be ousted by the International Broadcasting Advisory Board, despite Trump officials warning his role would end August 31.
“America First” Media Overhaul Underway
For years, conservatives have criticized VOA for drifting from its mission and echoing globalist talking points. President Trump and Kari Lake are now working to transform the agency into a true “America First” broadcaster — focused on freedom, truth, and standing up to propaganda from Communist China, Russia, and other hostile regimes.
Lake promised more reforms are coming, saying this is just the beginning of a much-needed overhaul of America’s taxpayer-funded media.
Union Pushback Highlights Washington Resistance
Union leaders at VOA condemned the layoffs. Paula Hickey, head of the employee union, accused the Trump administration of showing “contempt for federal employees.” But for millions of Americans frustrated with federal waste, the cuts are seen as a long-overdue victory for taxpayers and accountability.
