U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to gut seven federal agencies, including the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees Voice of America and other government-funded media outlets globally.
The order, signed on March 14, directs agency heads primarily focused on labor disputes, homelessness, and community development to eliminate non-mandated activities. They are required to submit detailed plans within seven days to the director of the Office of Management and Budget specifying which functions are legally required.
Affected agencies include the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Minority Business Development Agency.
USAGM, with a budget of approximately $270 million, funds outlets such as Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Free Asia. It employs over 2,000 staff and reaches an estimated audience of 361 million people in 49 languages.
Trump has been at odds with USAGM since his first term, voicing concerns about its programming and staffing decisions.
The president has said these changes are part of his efforts to streamline government operations and reduce taxpayer spending.
The latest decision aligns with broader initiatives supported by his billionaire friend, Elon Musk, who has advocated for cutting government programs and reducing federal staff.
Nonetheless, some measures have led to judicial intervention, including a pair of rulings on March 13 that annulled the government's actions and mandated the reinstatement of thousands of federal employees fired this year.
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