Trump’s Latest Executive Order Shakes Up Federal Programs – Voice of America Among Agencies on the Chopping Block

In a sweeping move to shrink the federal government, President Trump has issued an executive order dismantling seven government agencies, including the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the parent organization of Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The late Friday order, which Trump described as a "bold step toward cutting government waste," is already sending shockwaves through Washington.

Goodbye, Voice of America?

One of the most high-profile casualties of Trump’s order is USAGM, which has long provided independent news coverage in regions where press freedom is under threat. Voice of America, a key division within the agency, has historically served as a beacon of democratic values, broadcasting news in countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, and Ukraine. Now, its future hangs in the balance.

Kari Lake, Trump’s newly appointed top adviser for USAGM, wasted no time executing the order. On Saturday, she posted a message on X directing agency employees to check their emails. By the afternoon, multiple VOA employees had reportedly received termination notices, though the scope of layoffs remains unclear.

Lake also sent a letter to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s CFO, Joseph Lataille, cutting off federal grant funding—a move that could significantly disrupt the agency’s operations.

More Than Just VOA: Six Other Offices on the Chopping Block

Beyond the media agency, Trump’s order targets six additional federal offices, each with its own distinct mission:

• Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service – A long-standing entity that helps resolve labor disputes.
• Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars – A bipartisan think tank dedicated to global policy research, established by Congress in 1968.
• Institute of Museum and Library Services – The largest federal funding source for libraries and museums nationwide.
• United States Interagency Council on Homelessness – An agency focused on addressing homelessness through federal collaboration.
• Community Development Financial Institutions Fund – A program designed to boost local economies by improving access to capital.
• Minority Business Development Agency – A Commerce Department initiative aimed at supporting minority-owned businesses.

A Federal Workforce in Limbo

The administration’s aggressive approach to downsizing the government has already led to job losses, legal battles, and workforce upheaval. With roughly 2.3 million civilian federal employees in the U.S., the impact of Trump’s cuts could be significant. Some terminated workers have successfully fought back in court, but for now, uncertainty looms over the thousands impacted.

What’s Next?

While many of the targeted agencies were created with bipartisan support, the order’s legality remains an open question. Since Congress originally established most of these offices, the president’s ability to unilaterally dissolve them will likely face legal scrutiny. The executive order instructs the agencies to be eliminated "to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law," leaving room for potential legal battles.

Opposition is already mounting. Critics argue that shutting down programs like the Institute of Museum and Library Services will hurt local communities, while cutting the Interagency Council on Homelessness could disrupt critical efforts to combat the nation’s growing housing crisis.

Meanwhile, Trump’s supporters praise the move as a long-overdue crackdown on government bloat. "These agencies have been draining taxpayer dollars for years with little accountability," one White House official stated. "It’s time for a leaner, more efficient federal government."

Final Thoughts

With this latest executive order, Trump has made it clear that his administration is determined to reshape the federal government. Whether this bold restructuring effort succeeds or collapses under legal challenges remains to be seen. One thing is certain—this decision will have lasting consequences for America’s media landscape, public services, and federal workforce.

Stay tuned as the political and legal battles unfold.