TL/DR –
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to reduce the size of several federal agencies, including the United States Agency for Global Media. This agency oversees Voice of America and is funded by Congress; it oversees six networks providing nonmilitary, international broadcasting. Following the order, employees of the agency have been placed on administrative leave with full pay and benefits until further notice.
Trump’s Executive Order Places US Agency for Global Media Employees on Leave
Several employees of the US Agency for Global Media, the parent company of Voice of America, were placed on administrative leave this week. This comes as a result of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, aiming to reduce the size of seven federal agencies deemed “unnecessary.”
“President Trump is delivering on his promise to make our government more efficient,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. An email from the agency’s human resources director informed workers about their administrative leave with full pay and benefits, until further notice.
Agency Employees Await Further Instructions
Agency for Global Media employees were instructed to return all official government property and not to enter agency buildings or systems during their leave. However, they must be available during normal business hours, should agency officials need to contact them. The number of employees affected by this action has not been disclosed.
Agency for Global Media and Voice of America Explained
The Congress-funded Agency for Global Media oversees all nonmilitary, international broadcasting, providing news in 64 languages to over 427 million people. Voice of America, the largest US international broadcaster, provides news in 50 languages to over 354 million people. Despite being maintained by the government, a “firewall” established by the 1994 US International Broadcasting Act ensures “objective, independent” reporting.
Other Agencies Affected by Trump’s Executive Order
Trump’s executive order also reduces the following six federal agencies:
- Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
- Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithsonian Institution
- Institute of Museum and Library Services
- United States Interagency Council on Homelessness
- Community Development Financial Institutions Fund
- Minority Business Development Agency
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
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