Fact Check: Voice of America faces extinction after 85% of its workforce is eliminated.

Fact Check: "Voice of America faces extinction after 85% of its workforce is eliminated."

What We Know

The claim that "Voice of America (VOA) faces extinction after 85% of its workforce is eliminated" is grounded in recent actions taken by the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA. Reports indicate that the agency has laid off approximately 1,400 employees, representing about 85% of its workforce since March 2025. This includes the termination of 639 employees on June 20, 2025, which has been described as a significant reduction that could effectively shut down the outlet that has provided news globally since World War II (Reuters, NPR, AP News).

Kari Lake, a senior advisor to USAGM, stated that these layoffs are part of a "long-overdue effort to dismantle a bloated, unaccountable bureaucracy," citing issues of dysfunction and bias within the agency (NPR). The layoffs have raised concerns among former employees and media analysts about the future of independent journalism at VOA, with some claiming that this move could "spell the death" of the agency's mission to provide objective news to closed societies (NPR).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as multiple credible news sources have reported on the significant layoffs at VOA. The layoffs are not only substantial in number but also appear to be part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to reshape the agency's operations. The reports from NPR and Reuters, both reputable news organizations, provide detailed accounts of the layoffs and the context surrounding them (Reuters, NPR).

However, it is important to consider the potential bias in the sources. The NPR article highlights the perspective of affected employees and critics of the layoffs, framing the cuts as detrimental to independent journalism. This perspective is echoed by various employees who have publicly expressed their concerns about the implications of the layoffs (NPR). While this does not invalidate the claims, it is essential to recognize that the reporting may lean towards highlighting the negative consequences of the layoffs.

Moreover, the AP News report corroborates the scale of the layoffs and their impact on the agency's operations, further solidifying the claim's validity (AP News). The New York Times also reported that the staff count at VOA would shrink to less than 200, indicating a drastic reduction in operational capacity (New York Times).

Conclusion

The claim that "Voice of America faces extinction after 85% of its workforce is eliminated" is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that the significant layoffs at VOA, amounting to 85% of its workforce, are likely to have dire consequences for the agency's ability to fulfill its mission. The context provided by the sources indicates that these layoffs are part of a broader political strategy, raising serious concerns about the future of independent journalism at VOA.

Sources

1. Voice of America parent terminates over 600 more staff in likely death ...
2. Voice of America gutted by Trump adviser Kari Lake : NPR
3. Layoff notices delivered to hundreds of Voice of America employees
4. Hundreds of Federal Workers at Voice of America Receive ...
5. Voice of America | Reuters
6. The Federal Work Force Cuts So Far, Agency by Agency
7. Trump Administration Lays Off Hundreds Of Voice Of America Workers
8. Google Voice Help