Kari Lake Calls for Dismantling of U.S. Agency for Global Media Amid Major Layoffs
Kari Lake testifies against the U.S. Agency for Global Media, advocating for its dismantling as layoffs affect 85% of staff, drawing bipartisan criticism.
Overview
- Kari Lake testified against the U.S. Agency for Global Media, labeling it 'rotten to the core' and advocating for its complete dismantling by 2026.
- The agency has cut 1,400 positions, resulting in an 85% reduction in staff, with layoff notices issued at Voice of America.
- Lake accused Voice of America of anti-American bias and called for a complete restart of the organization amid ongoing controversies.
- A Voice of America employee is under investigation for threatening a Congress member, raising further scrutiny on the agency's operations.
- Democrats have criticized Lake's plan as reckless, expressing concerns about the implications of reduced U.S. media presence in the face of foreign influence.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the situation at Voice of America as a crisis, highlighting significant layoffs and potential threats to journalistic integrity. The tone suggests skepticism towards government oversight, while emphasizing the urgency of independent reporting amidst geopolitical tensions. Implicit bias leans towards concern for media independence and accountability.
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"…Kari Lake, the former Arizona newscaster turned Republican politician, testified that the U.S. Agency for Global Media is “rotten to the core” and that any salvageable parts should be put under the control of the U.S. State Department."
Associated Press·6d·FAQ
The United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) is an independent U.S. government agency that broadcasts news and information to regions with low press freedom. Its mission is to inform, engage, and connect people worldwide in support of freedom and democracy, overseeing entities such as Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Kari Lake has criticized the US Agency for Global Media as being 'rotten to the core,' calling for its dismantling by 2026 due to what she perceives as anti-American bias at Voice of America and ongoing controversies, including a staff member under investigation for threatening a Congress member.
The agency has undergone major layoffs, cutting approximately 1,400 positions, which amounts to an 85% reduction in staff, with layoff notices issued particularly at Voice of America.
Democrats have criticized Kari Lake's proposal as reckless, expressing concerns that reducing the U.S. media presence globally could weaken America's ability to counter foreign influence and diminish the dissemination of accurate news abroad.
A notable controversy is the investigation of a Voice of America employee accused of threatening a member of Congress, adding to the scrutiny and concerns about the agency's operations and integrity.
History
- 6d
4 articles