Fact Check: 85% of USAGM workforce eliminated since Trump's executive order.

Fact Check: "85% of USAGM workforce eliminated since Trump's executive order."

What We Know

The claim that "85% of USAGM workforce eliminated since Trump's executive order" is supported by multiple sources. According to a statement from the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the agency has undergone significant workforce reductions in compliance with President Trump's Executive Order dated March 14, 2025. This order mandated the elimination of non-statutory components and functions within the agency, leading to a reduction in personnel to the minimum required by law (USAGM).

Kari Lake, a senior advisor at USAGM, confirmed that approximately 1,400 positions were eliminated, which constitutes an 85% reduction in the workforce (NPR). Reports indicate that the majority of these cuts affected the Voice of America, a key component of USAGM, which has historically provided news and information to audiences in countries with restricted press freedoms (Forbes).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from credible sources, including official statements from USAGM and reporting by established news organizations like NPR and Forbes. The NPR article specifically notes that the layoffs were part of a broader initiative to dismantle what Lake described as a "bloated, unaccountable bureaucracy" (NPR). This perspective is echoed in multiple reports, which highlight the drastic nature of the cuts and the implications for independent journalism (KVOA, Newsmax).

However, it is important to consider the context and potential bias in these reports. Kari Lake's statements reflect a specific political agenda aimed at reducing federal bureaucracy, which may color the portrayal of the agency's previous operations as excessively wasteful or corrupt. Critics of the cuts, including former employees and media analysts, argue that these reductions could undermine the agency's ability to fulfill its mission of providing unbiased news to global audiences (NPR).

Overall, the sources used in this analysis are reliable, with NPR and Forbes being particularly noted for their journalistic integrity. The information provided is consistent across multiple outlets, reinforcing the credibility of the claim.

Conclusion

The claim that "85% of USAGM workforce eliminated since Trump's executive order" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the workforce at USAGM was indeed reduced by 85%, affecting approximately 1,400 positions as a direct result of the executive order issued by President Trump. The implications of these cuts are significant, particularly for the Voice of America, which plays a crucial role in international journalism.