Trump intensifies media criticism as Voice of America staff face administrative leave
In a recent speech at the Department of Justice, President Trump labeled CNN and MSNBC as "illegal," accusing them of acting as corrupt political arms of the Democratic Party.
In a fiery speech at the Department of Justice on March 14, President Donald Trump intensified his attacks on major U.S. media outlets, calling their coverage of him “illegal” and “corrupt.” The remarks came just a day before employees at Voice of America (VOA), a federally funded news organization, were placed on administrative leave—a move that has sparked widespread controversy.
Employees were placed on leave amid organizational restructuring, and the White House tightens control over the press pool. As tensions between the Trump administration and the media reach new heights, the implications for press freedom and transparency remain a pressing concern.
Donald Trump’s critique of the media
During his speech, Trump singled out CNN and MSNBC, accusing them of operating as “political arms of the Democrat party.” He claimed their coverage was not only biased but also illegal, alleging that it influenced judges and distorted the law.
“These networks and newspapers are no different than highly paid political operatives,” Trump said. “What they do is illegal, and it has to stop.”
Trump’s comments reflect a long-standing feud with the press, which he has frequently labeled as “fake news.” His latest remarks come amid growing tensions between the White House and media organizations, particularly over access and editorial decisions.
Voice of America employees placed on leave
On March 15, VOA employees were placed on administrative leave with full pay and benefits, according to an internal memo. The move followed Trump’s executive order to dissolve the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), VOA’s parent organization, along with six other federal agencies.
VOA, which broadcasts news in nearly 50 languages worldwide, also terminated its contracts with major wire services like Associated Press (AP), Reuters, and Agence France-Presse. Kari Lake, a Trump loyalist and VOA’s newly appointed director, defended the decision, stating it would save $53 million annually.
“We should not be paying outside news organizations to tell us what the news is,” Lake said.
Ongoing media access disputes
The Trump administration’s strained relationship with the media has escalated in recent weeks. The White House recently took control of the press pool selection process, removing the White House Correspondents’ Association from the decision-making.
A high-profile dispute with the AP over its refusal to adopt the term “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico” led to the news agency being barred from access to the Oval Office and Air Force One. A federal judge declined to immediately restore AP’s access, citing a lack of demonstrated harm. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for next week.