Introduction to the Crisis
Employees at Radio and TV Marti, based out of Miami, have been placed on administrative leave after the Trump administration began making deep cuts to Voice of America and other government-run, pro-democracy programming.
On Friday night, shortly after Congress passed its latest funding bill, Trump directed his administration to reduce the functions of several agencies to the minimum required by law. That included the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which houses Voice of America, Radio Free Europe and Asia and Radio Marti, which beams Spanish-language news into Cuba.
Background on the Agencies Involved
NBC6 obtained a letter the U.S. Agency for Global Media sent out to its employees confirming they have been placed on administrative leave without pay. Previously, NBC6 Investigates has been closely monitoring Radio Marti after the Department of Government Efficiency focused on the "terminations" of certain building leases with government agencies in South Florida. One of the leases DOGE says is “terminated” is for the Jorge Mas Canoa Building – headquarters for the U.S. Office of Cuba Broadcasting’s Radio and Television Marti operation – saving taxpayers $5.32 million by ending its $1.5 million annual lease.
Reaction from U.S. Representatives
During NBC6 Investigates’ reporting on Radio and Television Marti, U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Miami) praised DOGE’s efforts in attempting to reduce spending but said killing Radio and Television Marti – with savings of more than $26.6 million a year – is one cut he is not willing to accept. “No, I don’t have information about it, and I don’t support eliminating Radio Marti. I support revamping it, but I don’t support eliminating it. I think it’s vital the people of Cuba get free, unedited information," Gimenez said in response to NBC6 Investigates’ reporting. NBC6 has reached out to several Florida representatives on this latest development but has not heard back.
Actions Taken by the Agency
On Saturday morning, Kari Lake, the failed Arizona gubernatorial and U.S. Senate candidate whom Trump named a senior advisor to the agency, posted on X that employees should check their email. That coincided with notices going out placing Voice of America and Radio Marti staff on paid administrative leave. The agency also sent notices terminating grants to Radio Free Asia and other programming run by the agency. Voice of America transmits United States domestic news into other countries, often translated into local languages. Radio Free Asia, Europe and Marti beam news into countries with authoritarian regimes in those regions like China, North Korea and Russia.
Impact of the Cuts
Combined, the networks reach an estimated 427 million people. They date back to the Cold War and are part of a network of government-funded organizations trying to extend U.S. power and combat authoritarianism that includes USAID, another agency targeted by Trump. The latest reductions are especially provocative because the Agency for Global Media is an independent agency chartered by Congress, which passed a law in 2020 limiting the power of the agency’s presidentially appointed executives. Trump has already taken several moves to gut congressionally-mandated programs, setting up a potential Supreme Court showdown over the limits of presidential power.
Other Agencies Affected
Trump’s order requiring reductions also includes several other, lesser-known government agencies such as the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, a nonpartisan think tank, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. The Trump administration has already made several controversial moves regarding Voice of America, including suspending a respected journalist who noted criticism of Trump and canceling contracts that allowed VOA to use material from independent news organizations, such as the Associated Press.
Conclusion
The decision to cut staff at Voice of America and other US-funded media organizations has significant implications for the dissemination of information and the promotion of democracy worldwide. The move is seen as a part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce the influence of government-funded media outlets. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how these cuts will impact the ability of these organizations to carry out their missions.
FAQs
- Q: What is the reason behind the staff cuts at Voice of America and other US-funded media organizations?
A: The cuts are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce the functions of several agencies to the minimum required by law. - Q: How many people are affected by the cuts?
A: The networks reach an estimated 427 million people, and the cuts affect staff at Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, Europe, and Marti, among others. - Q: What is the potential impact of these cuts on the promotion of democracy worldwide?
A: The cuts could significantly impact the ability of these organizations to promote democracy and combat authoritarianism, as they are part of a network of government-funded organizations that aim to extend U.S. power and influence. - Q: Are there any other government agencies affected by the cuts?
A: Yes, the cuts also affect other agencies, including the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, and the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund.
