In a shocking move that has sent ripples across the global media landscape, more than 1,000 full-time employees at the Voice of America (VOA) and the Office for Cuba Broadcasting, which operates Radio and Television Martí, were indefinitely suspended on what has been dubbed “Bloody Saturday.” The mass suspensions, carried out by federal officials, came after a late-night directive from former President Donald Trump, ordering the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to eliminate all activities not legally required.

Journalists arriving at VOA’s headquarters found themselves locked out, marking an unprecedented moment in the network’s 83-year history. The suspensions also affected other USAGM-funded networks, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Radio Free Asia, and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks. Contracts with these privately incorporated international broadcasters were abruptly severed, leaving their futures uncertain.

The directive was signed by Trump’s senior adviser, Kari Lake, who issued termination notices for the grants funding these networks. However, legal experts have questioned whether Lake had the statutory authority to take such sweeping action. The move has sparked outrage and concern among media professionals, policymakers, and international observers.

Michael Abramowitz, the director of VOA, confirmed his suspension in a heartfelt Facebook post. “I am deeply saddened that for the first time in 83 years, the storied Voice of America is being silenced,” he wrote. Grant Turner, a former USAGM chief financial officer, described the day as “Bloody Saturday,” lamenting the loss of decades of goodwill and an audience of hundreds of millions.

The suspensions have raised alarms about the broader implications for US global influence. RFE/RL President Steve Capus warned that shutting down his network would be a “massive gift” to adversaries such as Russia, Iran, and China. RFE/RL provides uncensored news to nearly 50 million people in closed societies, making it a critical tool in countering authoritarian propaganda. Similar concerns were voiced about Radio Free Asia, which has exposed human rights abuses in China and North Korea. In 2020, a North Korean fishing fleet owner was executed for secretly listening to Radio Free Asia broadcasts at sea, underscoring the network’s impact.

The Trump administration has long been critical of these networks, accusing them of bias and inefficiency. However, bipartisan support has historically kept them operational. US Representative Michael McCaul, a Republican and former chairperson of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, emphasized their importance in promoting democracy and countering authoritarian narratives.

The suspensions come amid broader political and financial pressures on USAGM networks, which reach 420 million people weekly in 63 languages. The Trump administration had previously attempted to exert greater control over VOA, citing alleged bias. This time, the push to cut funding was led by budget-slashing advisers, including Elon Musk, who called for the agency’s restructuring or shutdown.

Adding to the turmoil, contracts with major news services such as the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, and Reuters were also cut, reducing the networks’ ability to supplement their coverage. Furthermore, three staffers from the government cost-cutting initiative DOGE reportedly gained access to USAGM’s budget and internal operations, freezing payments to freelancers and exacerbating the crisis.

Controversy has also surrounded accusations of wasteful spending on a new USAGM headquarters. Kari Lake claimed the agency was mismanaging funds, but former USAGM CFO Grant Turner dismissed her claims as “misinformation.” He clarified that the agency had secured a deal saving the government $150 million over 15 years and noted that the “new” building was constructed in 2006, while the old headquarters was not government-owned.

The suspensions have left the future of these networks uncertain, raising concerns about the loss of a key US soft-power tool in regions where press freedoms are under attack. For decades, VOA and other USAGM-funded networks have served as a beacon of independent journalism, providing accurate and unbiased news to millions worldwide. Their potential demise marks a significant shift in America’s approach to global media and its commitment to promoting free speech and democracy.

As the dust settles on “Bloody Saturday,” the international community is left to grapple with the consequences. The suspensions not only threaten the livelihoods of thousands of journalists but also risk undermining America’s ability to counter authoritarian narratives and support press freedom in some of the world’s most repressive regions.

In a world where information is power, the silencing of these networks represents a profound loss—one that could have far-reaching implications for global democracy and the fight against authoritarianism. The question now is whether the US will reverse course or allow these vital institutions to fade into history.