The Trump administration has informed Congress of plans to close multiple overseas offices of Voice of America (VOA).
This decision comes despite the ruling of federal judge to maintain the full news operations of the renowed broadcaster.
A memo dated November 25, sent by Kari Lake, head of the parent agency of VOA, outlined the closure of 6 overseas news bureaus and four marketing offices.
The affected locations include Jakarta in Indonesia, Islamabad in Pakistan, Nairobi in Kenya, and Prague in the Czech Republic.
VOA radio stations in Germany, Thailand, and Botswana will also be shut down.
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While broadcasting may continue through contractors where needed, officials said the long-term goal is a significant reduction in the global footprint of VOA.
The administration initially moved to shut down VOA in March, framing it as part of an initiative to reshape and scale back government-funded news organisations.
Other broadcasters, including Radio Free Asia, have also faced similar cuts. In April, a US federal judge suspended the executive order, directing that VOA services be restored.
Despite this ruling, the administration is proceeding with office closures, raising concerns among lawmakers and press freedom advocates.
Voice of America is widely recognised for providing independent news to countries accross the world with restricted press freedoms.
