The Trump administration has informed lawmakers that it will proceed with shutting down several overseas offices of Voice of America (VOA), despite a federal judge’s ruling to maintain the broadcaster’s full news operations.
The decision marks another step in the administration’s ongoing effort to reduce the scope of US-funded international media outlets.
Six overseas bureaus, four marketing offices to be closed
According to a New York Times report, a notice dated November 25 was sent to Congress by Kari Lake, the Trump ally who heads VOA’s parent agency. The memo outlines plans to close six overseas news bureaus and four overseas marketing offices.
The closures will affect offices in Jakarta (Indonesia), Islamabad (Pakistan), Nairobi (Kenya), and Prague (Czech Republic).
Additionally, VOA radio stations in Germany, Thailand, and Botswana will also be shut down.
Officials said that broadcasting may continue through contractors where necessary, but the long-term intention remains to significantly reduce VOA’s global footprint.
Effort to scale back federal broadcasters
The Trump administration first moved to shut down VOA in March, describing it as part of an initiative to reshape and reduce government-funded news organizations. Other broadcasters, including Radio Free Asia, have also been targeted for cuts.
However, in April, a US federal judge suspended Trump’s executive order, directing that VOA services be restored. Despite this ruling, the administration is now proceeding with office closures, raising concerns among lawmakers and press freedom advocates.
Voice of America is widely known for providing independent news to countries with restricted press freedoms. Critics argue that shuttering these overseas bureaus could weaken US soft power and reduce access to uncensored information for millions of listeners and viewers.
Supporters of the cuts contend that VOA can still fulfill its mandate through remote operations or third-party contractors.
