{"id":36268,"date":"2026-08-10T10:15:27","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T05:15:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=36268"},"modified":"2026-08-10T10:15:27","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T05:15:27","slug":"donald-trump-accused-of-gutting-v-o-a-as-staffers-fight-back","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=36268","title":{"rendered":"Donald Trump Accused Of Gutting V.O.A As Staffers Fight Back"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Voice of America has long been one of America\u2019s most prominent international broadcasters, but it has seemingly fallen from its former heights following moves by the Trump administration, a new report has claimed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since <a href=\"https:\/\/theblast.com\/825564\/donald-trump-jokes-running-fourth-term-whcd\/\">returning for a second term<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/theblast.com\/tag\/donald-trump\/\"><strong>Donald <\/strong><strong>Trump<\/strong><\/a> has issued an executive order reducing V.O.A.\u2019s parent agency to the legally required minimum. Journalists who criticized the administration or its policies have also seemingly faced consequences.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earlier this year, these actions prompted some V.O.A. journalists to file a lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of turning the organization into a voice for propaganda.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium_large mobile-image-full-width\"><a href=\"https:\/\/media.theblast.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=75%2Cgravity=auto%2Csharpen=1%2Cmetadata=none%2Cformat=auto%2Conerror=redirect\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Markwayne-Mullin-Sworn-In-as-DHS-Secretary-MEGA1434589_001-scaled-788x525.jpg\" class=\"pss-trigger\" role=\"button\" data-pss-trigger=\"0\" aria-controls=\"pss-modal\" aria-label=\"Open gallery of 3 images.\" title=\"Open gallery of 3 images.\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/media.theblast.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788%2Cheight=525%2Cfit=crop%2Cquality=75%2Cgravity=auto%2Csharpen=1%2Cmetadata=none%2Cformat=auto%2Conerror=redirect\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Markwayne-Mullin-Sworn-In-as-DHS-Secretary-MEGA1434589_001-scaled-788x525.jpg\" alt=\"Markwayne Mullin Sworn-In as DHS Secretary\" class=\"wp-image-830051\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.theblast.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788%2Cheight=525%2Cfit=crop%2Cquality=75%2Cgravity=auto%2Csharpen=1%2Cmetadata=none%2Cformat=auto%2Conerror=redirect\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Markwayne-Mullin-Sworn-In-as-DHS-Secretary-MEGA1434589_001-scaled-788x525.jpg 788w, https:\/\/media.theblast.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=428%2Cheight=285%2Cfit=crop%2Cquality=75%2Cgravity=auto%2Csharpen=1%2Cmetadata=none%2Cformat=auto%2Conerror=redirect\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Markwayne-Mullin-Sworn-In-as-DHS-Secretary-MEGA1434589_001-scaled-428x285.jpg 428w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 430px) 100px, 100vw\"\/><span class=\"pss-trigger__badge\" aria-hidden=\"true\">3<\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Graeme Sloan \u2013 Pool via CNP \/ MEGA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newyorker.com\/news\/annals-of-communications\/how-donald-trump-silenced-the-voice-of-america\">The New Yorker<\/a>, V.O.A.\u2019s fall from grace began with Trump firing six of the seven members of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board, which approves the appointment of the head of V.O.A.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He then appointed Kari Lake, a former TV anchorwoman, to run America\u2019s global media operations despite legal restrictions. Lake initially promised to build on the organization\u2019s future while maintaining honest reporting.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, in a sweeping move, Lake sought to implement Trump\u2019s subsequent executive order slashing V.O.A.\u2019s parent agency to the legally required minimum. More than 1,042 of its 1,147 staffers were placed on paid leave, including several dozen from the Persian Service, which was one of the organization\u2019s largest outlets.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-v-o-a-faces-tighter-reporting-controls-after-massive-staff-cuts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">V.O.A. Faces Tighter Reporting Controls After Massive Staff Cuts<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium_large mobile-image-full-width\"><a href=\"https:\/\/media.theblast.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=75%2Cgravity=auto%2Csharpen=1%2Cmetadata=none%2Cformat=auto%2Conerror=redirect\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-White-House-Correspondents-Dinner-Pool-MEGA1445332_047-788x525.jpg\" class=\"pss-trigger\" role=\"button\" data-pss-trigger=\"1\" aria-controls=\"pss-modal\" aria-label=\"Open gallery of 3 images.\" title=\"Open gallery of 3 images.\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/media.theblast.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788%2Cheight=525%2Cfit=crop%2Cquality=75%2Cgravity=auto%2Csharpen=1%2Cmetadata=none%2Cformat=auto%2Conerror=redirect\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-White-House-Correspondents-Dinner-Pool-MEGA1445332_047-788x525.jpg\" alt=\"2026 White House Correspondents Dinner Pool\" class=\"wp-image-832450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.theblast.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788%2Cheight=525%2Cfit=crop%2Cquality=75%2Cgravity=auto%2Csharpen=1%2Cmetadata=none%2Cformat=auto%2Conerror=redirect\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-White-House-Correspondents-Dinner-Pool-MEGA1445332_047-788x525.jpg 788w, https:\/\/media.theblast.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=428%2Cheight=285%2Cfit=crop%2Cquality=75%2Cgravity=auto%2Csharpen=1%2Cmetadata=none%2Cformat=auto%2Conerror=redirect\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-White-House-Correspondents-Dinner-Pool-MEGA1445332_047-428x285.jpg 428w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 430px) 100px, 100vw\"\/><span class=\"pss-trigger__badge\" aria-hidden=\"true\">3<\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yuri Gripas \u2013 Pool via CNP \/ MEGA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The staff cuts were followed by a dismantling of its physical infrastructure, according to the report.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lake canceled the lease for its new headquarters, while workers at transmitter sites were later instructed to shut down operations, effectively silencing V.O.A. for the first time in 83 years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many of V.O.A.\u2019s employees found new jobs, while those who remained were reportedly subjected to greater control over their reporting.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That control has been even more glaring during the war in Iran. The Persian Service, which is expected to report the news, is now required to have \u201call guest appearances\u2014including live guests, pre-recorded guests, and guests whose soundbites are used in packages\u201d approved by Lake\u2019s appointee, Ali Javanmardi.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-ex-v-o-a-journalists-open-up-about-losing-their-jobs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ex-V.O.A. Journalists Open Up About Losing Their Jobs<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Judge restores Voice of America jobs after Trump admin cuts | NBC4 Washington\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pOqlcxeOohU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those who lost their jobs have been hit hard by the changes, with one former staff member describing in detail the emotional turmoil he was going through.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNothing exists anymore,\u201d said an ex-reporter to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newyorker.com\/news\/annals-of-communications\/how-donald-trump-silenced-the-voice-of-america\">outlet<\/a>. \u201cOur identity was gone in one single second. It was a sudden questioning of my value. Who am I without all of this?\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI had believed in America,\u201d he continued. \u201cI didn\u2019t care if it was Trump or Biden.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For some staff, losing their jobs has led to even more difficult changes in their lives, particularly the loss of their right to remain in the country.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou\u2019ve come to this country to say things you can\u2019t say at home,\u201d said Jessica Jerreat, who ran V.O.A.\u2019s press-freedom desk. \u201cThen, all of a sudden, you lose your visa, and you\u2019re told you have to go back.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-donald-trump-administration-sued-by-ex-v-o-a-journalists\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Donald Trump Administration Sued By Ex-V.O.A Journalists<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium_large mobile-image-full-width\"><a href=\"https:\/\/media.theblast.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=75%2Cgravity=auto%2Csharpen=1%2Cmetadata=none%2Cformat=auto%2Conerror=redirect\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Trump-Primetime-Address-on-Election-Security-and-Voting-Machines-MEGA1474933_009-2-scaled-788x1120.jpg\" class=\"pss-trigger\" role=\"button\" data-pss-trigger=\"2\" aria-controls=\"pss-modal\" aria-label=\"Open gallery of 3 images.\" title=\"Open gallery of 3 images.\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"1120\" src=\"https:\/\/media.theblast.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788%2Cheight=1120%2Cfit=crop%2Cquality=75%2Cgravity=auto%2Csharpen=1%2Cmetadata=none%2Cformat=auto%2Conerror=redirect\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Trump-Primetime-Address-on-Election-Security-and-Voting-Machines-MEGA1474933_009-2-scaled-788x1120.jpg\" alt=\"Trump Primetime Address on Election Security and Voting Machines\" class=\"wp-image-826346\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.theblast.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788%2Cheight=1120%2Cfit=crop%2Cquality=75%2Cgravity=auto%2Csharpen=1%2Cmetadata=none%2Cformat=auto%2Conerror=redirect\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Trump-Primetime-Address-on-Election-Security-and-Voting-Machines-MEGA1474933_009-2-scaled-788x1120.jpg 788w, https:\/\/media.theblast.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=428%2Cheight=608%2Cfit=crop%2Cquality=75%2Cgravity=auto%2Csharpen=1%2Cmetadata=none%2Cformat=auto%2Conerror=redirect\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Trump-Primetime-Address-on-Election-Security-and-Voting-Machines-MEGA1474933_009-2-scaled-428x608.jpg 428w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 430px) 100px, 100vw\"\/><span class=\"pss-trigger__badge\" aria-hidden=\"true\">3<\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">CNP \/ MediaPunch \/ MEGA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few bold ex-staffers have taken the fight to Trump with a suit filed in March.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the filing, they alleged that V.O.A. broadcasts to audiences in Iran, China, North Korea, and Kurdish communities have increasingly reflected White House talking points while downplaying stories the administration would rather avoid.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThrough VOA\u2019s journalism, those living in authoritarian societies get a taste of democracy,\u201d the plaintiffs emphasized in a <a href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/voice-of-america-trump-lawsuit-propaganda-adbb62cd60b0c17d877f7d3eacc22357\">statement<\/a>. \u201cWithout editorial integrity, VOA will be no different than government mouthpieces our audiences already hear in their own country.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-v-o-a-staff-remain-suspended-despite-court-order\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">V.O.A. Staff Remain Suspended Despite Court Order<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Trump fires one-third of Voice of America staff\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3uvxY9JXwF4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the same month the suit was filed, U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth ordered the Trump administration to reinstate more than 1,000 Voice of America employees who had been placed on administrative leave.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judge ruled that Lake did not have the legal authority to make the move, as she had been appointed to the position without Senate confirmation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the reinstatement requirement has yet to be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/business\/2026\/04\/01\/voice-of-america-staff-return-stopped\/\">implemented<\/a> after a federal appeals court stayed the portion of Lamberth\u2019s ruling requiring the employees to return to work while the administration appealed.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Voice of America has long been one of America\u2019s most prominent international broadcasters, but it has seemingly fallen from its former heights following moves by the Trump administration, a new report has claimed. Since returning for a second term, Donald Trump has issued an executive order reducing V.O.A.\u2019s parent agency to the legally required minimum&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":36269,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/media.theblast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Trump-Primetime-Address-on-Election-Security-and-Voting-Machines-MEGA1474933_008-scaled-1200x675.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-36268","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-celebrity-gossip"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36268","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=36268"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36268\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/36269"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=36268"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=36268"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=36268"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}