The Trump administration’s recent mass layoff notices have significantly impacted the Voice of America and its sister news outlets, sparking concerns among foreign journalists about political retribution. Approximately 1,400 jobs are being eliminated at the U.S. Agency for Global Media, following an executive order issued by President Trump in March. This move has raised questions about the government’s support for non-American journalists working for these outlets, especially in light of recent events such as the sentencing of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reporter Farid Mehralizada to nine years in prison in Azerbaijan on what are believed to be false charges.

The actions of senior White House adviser Kari Lake, including the firing of over 500 Voice of America contractors and efforts to withhold payments to other government-funded international networks, have sparked criticism and concern. The future of journalists from countries with repressive media environments who work for Voice of America is uncertain, with many fearing persecution or worse if they return home when their visas expire. These journalists are now scrambling to find alternative employment in the U.S. or seeking asylum.

The situation has left many Voice of America journalists, particularly those from regions with restricted media freedom, feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their future. The impact of these layoffs and the government’s actions has been described as a “gut punch” by those affected, highlighting the loss of valuable expertise and services that these foreign journalists have provided. As the fallout continues, the fate of these journalists and the future of Voice of America’s mission to provide objective news coverage remains in question.