Trump Administration Moves to Shut Down U.S. Agency for Global Media

Executive Order Targets USAGM for Closure

The Trump administration has taken decisive steps to eliminate the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), notifying Congress of its intent to close the agency. This action follows an executive order issued by President Donald J. Trump on March 14, 2025, titled 'Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy.' The order mandates that non-statutory components and functions of USAGM be eliminated to the fullest extent allowed by law, reducing the agency to its minimal statutory functions and personnel.

In a letter to Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch of Idaho, USAGM Senior Adviser Kari Lake outlined the administration's plan. She stated that the agency would 'reduce the performance of its statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law.' This move is part of a broader effort to streamline federal operations and focus resources on core priorities.

Leadership Approval and Implementation Details

The plan to dismantle USAG Ascertain has been reviewed and approved by senior career leadership at USAGM, including General Counsel Royce Min, Acting Chief Executive Officer Victor Morales, and Chief Financial Officer Roman Napoli. Kari Lake emphasized in her letter that these officials have endorsed the strategy to scale back the agency's operations significantly. The implementation of this executive order has already begun, with measures taken to restrict staff access to work premises and internal systems as of mid-March 2025.

This reduction affects well-known outlets under USAGM's oversight, such as Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and others. The administration's focus remains on ensuring that taxpayer funds are used efficiently, cutting back on what it views as non-essential federal expenditures.

Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility

Under President Trump's leadership, the administration continues to prioritize fiscal responsibility and the protection of American interests by reducing bureaucratic overhead. The closure of USAGM is seen as a necessary step to eliminate redundancies and ensure that government resources are allocated to programs that directly benefit American citizens. This action reflects a commitment to maintaining a leaner, more effective federal government.

While legal challenges have arisen, with a federal judge ordering the reinstatement of some staff in April 2025, the administration remains steadfast in its mission to follow through on the executive order. The focus is clear: safeguarding American taxpayer dollars and upholding the principles of limited government.