The Trump administration has notified lawmakers that it will move ahead with closing multiple overseas offices of Voice of America (VOA), despite a federal court ruling directing the government to maintain the broadcaster’s full news operations.
The development marks a renewed push by the administration to scale back US-funded international media outlets, a campaign that has sparked strong criticism from press freedom groups and members of Congress.
Six Overseas Bureaus, Four Marketing Offices to Shut Down
According to a report published by The New York Times, a memo dated November 25 was sent to Congress by Kari Lake, the Trump ally now leading VOA’s parent agency. The notice details plans to shut down six overseas news bureaus along with four international marketing offices.
The closures will affect VOA operations in Jakarta (Indonesia), Islamabad (Pakistan), Nairobi (Kenya), and Prague (Czech Republic). Additionally, VOA radio stations located in Germany, Thailand, and Botswana are set to cease operations.
Officials indicated that broadcasting may continue through contractors in certain regions, but the broader objective is to significantly reduce VOA’s physical presence abroad.
Rolling Back Federal Broadcasting Operations
The Trump administration first announced plans to curtail VOA’s operations in March, portraying the move as part of a broader effort to reduce and restructure government-funded news organizations. Other outlets—including Radio Free Asia—have also faced proposed cutbacks.
In April, however, a U.S. federal judge issued an order suspending the administration’s plan, instructing that VOA services be restored. Despite that ruling, the White House is proceeding with its office-closure strategy, raising fresh concerns over compliance with the court decision.
Concerns Over Press Freedom and U.S. Soft Power
Voice of America has long been recognized for delivering independent, fact-based news to audiences in countries where press freedoms remain limited. Critics warn that shuttering these overseas bureaus will diminish U.S. soft power, restrict access to uncensored information, and weaken the country’s global media presence.
Supporters of the administration’s cuts argue that VOA can continue fulfilling its mission through remote operations, digital platforms, or third-party contractors, making large overseas offices unnecessary.
The closures are expected to fuel further debate in Washington as lawmakers weigh the implications for U.S. diplomacy, media independence, and global information access.
