Trump Administration Pushes Agenda at Voice of America

The Trump administration is making quick moves to instill its vision at the Voice of America (VOA), prompting questions about potential fundamental alterations in the agency’s journalistic mission, which has been in place since World War II. Recently, established journalist Steve Herman was placed on extended leave by VOA to investigate his social media conduct, and another significant change involved reassigning White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara, who had faced disciplinary action during Trump’s initial tenure.

Kari Lake, Trump’s nominee for leading VOA, has taken on a role as a special adviser while awaiting the requisite approval to officially assume leadership. Formed to communicate stories of democracy to Nazi Germany, VOA’s broadcasts and online news coverage highlight the United States worldwide, often in local languages. Its directive mandates the agency’s editorial independence, and many conservatives have found this requirement restrictive in the past. In 2021, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized VOA employees, urging them not to hesitate in praising America’s values. President Trump also voiced his discontent, suggesting that Lake’s appointment could help convey U.S. ideals more accurately than the supposed distortions by mainstream media.

Elon Musk, tasked by Trump to spearhead efforts for governmental efficiency, has little regard for VOA. In a social media post, Musk argued for its closure, claiming it squanders taxpayer resources on biased discussions. In aligning Trump’s administration with VOA, L. Brent Bozell—founder of the conservative watchdog, Media Research Center—was appointed to head the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees VOA, but this requires Senate confirmation.

Herman faced scrutiny for posting a tweet linking to comments from a critic of the administration’s plans to dismantle USAID. Richard Grenell, a Trump official, branded this as “treasonous” and called for his dismissal. Days later, Herman was officially placed on paid suspension pending an inquiry into whether his online presence jeopardized the perceived neutrality and credibility of VOA’s coverage, as indicated in a letter from VOA’s acting deputy director, John Featherly. The U.S. Agency for Global Media refrained from commenting on the personnel decision.

Concurrently, VOA notified staff of Widakuswara’s reassignment without specifying her future role, with her previous demotion having followed heated exchanges with Pompeo in the wake of the January 6 Capitol riot. Her reinstatement shortly after Biden’s inauguration raised questions among colleagues wary of a possible return to targeting. Concerns have surfaced over VOA stories potentially being toned down to curtail critique of Trump. Some staff worry about appeasing prospective leaders loyal to Trump’s vision, fearing repercussions for failing to do so.

VOA’s recent comprehensive coverage on Trump’s tariff implementation maintained neutrality; however, included disapproval from leaders in Canada, Mexico, and China. Quick transitions underpinning the current administration’s approach at VOA contrast with Trump’s prior term, during which his appointed agency leader, Robert Pack, only took office well into his presidency. The administration’s close examination of media reliant on public funding includes scrutiny of outlets like PBS and NPR.

In internal communication announcing Lake’s advisory role, VOA’s chief financial officer, Roman Napoli, hailed her journalism background as essential for advancing the Trump administration’s worldwide messaging goals. This move has sparked apprehension among VOA staff about possibly transforming into a Trump-centric entity, risking both credibility and resources. Lake later addressed the staff, referring to historical statements by President John F. Kennedy on VOA’s commitment to truthfully presenting America’s narrative globally. She expressed her dedication to reforming the agency swiftly into an institution people will trust and support.

Lake’s leadership approval awaits the nod from the International Broadcasting Advisory Board, though Trump recently dismantled its membership. Jeffrey Trimble, formerly associated with the board’s predecessor, acknowledged the administration’s authority to seek congressional consent to alter VOA’s mission. Still, he cautioned against it, citing VOA’s role in exemplifying democratic ideals through unfettered discourse. Trimble emphasized that while alterations are permissible, the current legal framework governs VOA’s operations.