National Press Club condemns mass suspensions at Voice of America, warning of a threat to press freedom.
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| The National Press Club has condemned the suspension of more than 1,300 Voice of America journalists, calling it a major setback for independent journalism and press freedom. Image: VoA |
WASHINGTON, USA — March 16, 2025:
The National Press Club has strongly criticized the mass suspension of Voice of America (VOA) journalists, calling it a serious blow to press freedom. More than 1,300 employees were placed on indefinite leave on Saturday, a day after the White House ordered major cuts to VOA's parent agency, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM).
In a statement, National Press Club President Mike Balsamo warned that sidelining VOA journalists “raises urgent questions about the future of one of the world's most important independent news organizations.” He added that these suspensions threaten VOA’s ability to continue delivering fact-based journalism to global audiences, particularly in regions where press freedom is severely restricted.
VOA Director Michael Abramowitz expressed deep concern, stating that for the first time in 83 years, the broadcaster is effectively being silenced. “This is a devastating moment for independent journalism,” he wrote on LinkedIn, highlighting VOA’s critical role in providing reliable news to people in authoritarian countries.
The decision follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which called for USAGM and six other federal agencies to be cut back to their legally mandated minimum functions. The order also led to the termination of grants for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia, further reducing access to independent journalism in regions such as Russia, China, and North Korea.
VOA’s Seoul Bureau Chief William Gallo confirmed that he had been locked out of company systems and accounts. “All I’ve ever wanted to do is report the truth, no matter who was in power. If that’s now seen as a threat, so be it,” he said on social media.
Kari Lake, Trump’s nominee for director of VOA, defended the decision, describing USAGM as “a burden on the American taxpayer” and insisting that downsizing was necessary. Free press advocates, however, have strongly opposed the move. Reporters Without Borders called it “a direct attack on press freedom,” while Radio Free Asia President Bay Fang warned that cutting its funding would empower authoritarian regimes.
The National Press Club has urged Congress to intervene and ensure that VOA remains independent, calling for full transparency and accountability in the decision-making process. As international concern grows, press freedom organizations warn that the impact of these suspensions could extend far beyond the United States, weakening global efforts to counter disinformation and state-controlled media.