For Immediate Release
March 15, 2025
Contact: Communications Director Nikki Gamer | Cell #: (978) 884-0003 | gamer@afsa.org

Washington, D.C. – The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) strongly opposes the administration’s dismantling of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and its removal of all Foreign Service members from their positions under the pretext of administrative leave. Unilaterally stripping a congressionally established agency of its core functions amounts to an affront to the constitutional balance of powers.

USAGM, which includes the Voice of America (VOA), is a critical instrument of U.S. foreign policy and national security. The Voice of America, which began broadcasting in 1942 to combat propaganda, is critical to advancing American interests, democracy, and press freedom worldwide. Dismantling it weakens the nation’s ability to counter disinformation, promote objective journalism, and engage global audiences at a time when these efforts are more vital than ever.

AFSA will mount a vigorous defense of USAGM and the Foreign Service professionals whose expertise is indispensable to its mission.

The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) is the professional association and labor union of the men and women of the United States Foreign Service.