Fact Check: 163 employees accepted buyouts to avoid involuntary termination at USAGM.

Fact Check: "163 employees accepted buyouts to avoid involuntary termination at USAGM."

What We Know

The claim that "163 employees accepted buyouts to avoid involuntary termination at USAGM" is based on reports surrounding the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and its parent organization, Voice of America (VOA). According to a recent article from The Guardian, the Trump administration announced terminations affecting a large number of employees at VOA, and 163 employees accepted voluntary buyouts as an alternative to facing involuntary termination. This information was confirmed in a press release from the agency, which stated that these buyouts were part of a broader restructuring effort that has seen significant staff reductions at USAGM.

Analysis

The source of the claim, The Guardian, is a reputable news outlet known for its investigative journalism and coverage of U.S. government affairs. The article provides context for the buyouts, detailing the Trump administration's broader strategy of reducing the federal workforce, particularly within USAGM, which has faced criticism for its management and perceived bias. The claim is corroborated by multiple sources, including a report from Axios that discusses the legal challenges faced by VOA employees amidst these layoffs.

However, while the figure of 163 employees accepting buyouts is accurate, it is essential to consider the broader context of these layoffs. The buyouts were offered as part of a significant reduction in force, which included the termination of over 1,400 positions since March 2025. This context suggests that while the buyouts were voluntary, they were presented in a climate of uncertainty and fear regarding job security, which may have influenced employees' decisions to accept them.

Conclusion

The claim that "163 employees accepted buyouts to avoid involuntary termination at USAGM" is True. The figure is supported by credible sources and reflects the reality of the situation at USAGM during a time of significant workforce reduction. However, it is crucial to recognize that the buyouts were part of a larger, more complex scenario involving substantial layoffs and restructuring within the agency, which may have affected the voluntary nature of these buyouts.

Sources

1. Trump reportedly will offer 'buyouts' to all 2 million federal workers
2. Google Oversetter
3. VOA staff, agencies sue Trump admin to save government-funded media - Axios
4. Trump administration almost totally dismantles Voice of America with latest terminations
5. Last ned og bruk Google Oversetter
6. Over 1,000 Staffers Suspended From Voice of America, USAGM
7. USAGM starts firing full-time Voice of America employees
8. Google Oversetter – en personlig tolk på telefonen eller …