Trump Shuts Down ‘Voice Of America’; Stations Replace News With Music

In a sweeping move, President Donald Trump, now serving his second term, has canceled the contract of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the parent company of Voice of America (VOA). The decision has thrown the future of the internationally recognized broadcaster into uncertainty, with nearly 1,300 employees placed on leave and some local VOA stations halting news broadcasts.

Michael Abramowitz, director of VOA, announced on Facebook on Saturday, March 15, that he and his staff had been sent on leave. In response, several VOA-affiliated stations have replaced news programming with music broadcasts. According to a CNN report, sources indicate that senior editors at VOA have also been ordered to stop work, potentially silencing the network’s global news operations.

VOA operates under USAGM, which also oversees Radio Free Europe, Radio Free Asia, and the Middle East Broadcasting Network. The termination of contracts extends to these networks as well, raising concerns about the future of U.S.-funded international broadcasting.

Debate Over the Shutdown

Trump supporters argue that these broadcasters are outdated and unnecessary, making government funding a waste of taxpayer dollars. Critics, however, warn that shutting down VOA and its sister networks could create an information vacuum, allowing nations like China to expand their influence over global radio waves, ultimately harming U.S. foreign interests.

For decades, the U.S. has funded international news coverage to provide credible information to audiences worldwide. Billionaire Elon Musk echoed Trump’s stance in February, posting on X: “No one listens to them anymore. They are just radical leftist lunatics wasting $1 billion of American taxpayers every year.”

Uncertain Future for USAGM Networks

With USAGM’s future now in question, it remains unclear what will happen to its various platforms. Some VOA contractors have reportedly been asked to return their security badges, signaling deeper structural changes ahead.

As the debate continues, the world watches closely to see whether America’s longstanding tradition of international broadcasting will be revived—or permanently silenced.