The cuts affect the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which, in addition to Voice of America, also includes media companies such as Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia. The organization has a total budget of 270 million dollars and over 2,000 employees. The stations broadcast in 49 languages around the world and are estimated to reach a total of 361 million listeners per week.
The presidential order is part of Trump's plan to downsize the government apparatus, and the media companies have been ordered to cease all activities that are not legally mandated. On Saturday, several employees at Voice of America received emails stating that they would be given paid leave "until further notice" and that they were not allowed to go to work, according to Reuters.
Voice of America has existed since 1942 and was during the Cold War an important news source for listeners in communist countries. Trump has been critical of the operation since his first term and entrepreneur Elon Musk has also demanded that it be shut down.
In addition to USAGM, the cuts also affect six lesser-known government agencies, including one whose purpose is to combat homelessness.
