Voice of America Goes Silent After 83 Years of Broadcasting

The Voice of America (VOA), a U.S. government-funded media outlet, has ceased all broadcasting for the first time in its 83-year history. Michael Abramowitz, the organization’s director, announced the shutdown, which has placed nearly the entire staff—over 1,300 journalists, producers, and technical specialists—on administrative leave.

“I am deeply saddened that the legendary Voice of America is going silent. This morning, we learned that most of our colleagues, including myself, have been placed on administrative leave,” Abramowitz stated, expressing regret over the closure of one of the oldest international broadcasters.

The decision to halt operations is linked to an order from President Donald Trump, who previously initiated a significant reduction in staff at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). This agency oversees several major American media outlets, including VOA and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Additionally, funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which was approved by Congress, has been revoked, jeopardizing the future of this media organization as well.

Founded in 1942, VOA has long served as a cornerstone of American public diplomacy, delivering news and information in multiple languages—such as Russian, Chinese, and Arabic—to audiences across more than 100 countries. However, in recent years, the organization has faced criticism from Republican lawmakers, who argue it exhibits a liberal bias and misuses public funds. During his first term in 2020, Trump proposed cutting USAGM funding, labeling the media as “propaganda tools that are not in the interests of American taxpayers.” Since his return to the White House in March 2025, Trump has intensified efforts to reform the agency, leading to the current crisis.

The decision to shut down VOA has elicited strong reactions from Congress. Democrats have condemned the move as an “attack on free speech,” arguing that it undermines the United States’ position in the ongoing information struggle with Russia and China, both of which are actively expanding their international media reach through outlets like RT and CGTN. Democratic Senator Bob Menendez cautioned that the closure could deprive millions in authoritarian countries of access to independent information. Conversely, Republican supporters of Trump contend that reorganizing USAGM will allow for the reallocation of budget funds to higher-priority areas, such as bolstering cybersecurity and combatting disinformation.