This Sunday marked the beginning of layoffs at Radio and TV Martí following a substantial reduction in operations by the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), as initiated by the Trump administration. The USAGM oversees various government-funded media outlets. Journalist Roberto Céspedes, who has been associated with the USAGM, confirmed via social media that all contractors with the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (Radio and TV Martí) were informed via email on Sunday to cease work immediately.
Céspedes disclosed that these workers would no longer have access to the agency's facilities or systems. The terminations are set to take effect on March 31 at 11:59 PM. He remarked, "The Trump Administration is effectively dismantling the news service to Cuba founded 40 years ago by Ronald Reagan, even as its digital platforms reach record audiences in Cuba," labeling the action as "shameful."
Former news director of Radio-TV Martí, Wilfredo Cancio Isla, also responded to these developments on social media. He noted, "For the first time since its inauguration on May 20, 1985, Radio Martí will not broadcast live during its regular schedule. Any future survival will be precarious under current circumstances. This presents a bleak and doubly sad scenario for journalism and news dedicated to Cuba."
Trump's Executive Order: A Blow to USAGM
The agency's dismantling was first noted on Friday when an executive order was signed by the President of the United States to eliminate functions of the Global Media Agency, which supervises the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, responsible for Radio and TV Martí. Trump's directive required USAGM and other entities to "reduce non-essential functions and personnel to the minimum required by law."
In compliance with this directive, the USAGM began cutting non-essential components and functions, minimizing its staff as legally required, leading to administrative leave for numerous workers until further notice. Operations at Radio and TV Martí, along with other outlets like Voice of America, have been halted since Saturday following the measure's announcement.
Allegations of Mismanagement and Security Breaches
Kari Lake, a senior advisor appointed by Trump to the USAGM, highlighted significant issues within the agency, including resource wastage, fraud, and abuse, labeling it "beyond repair." She asserted that the restructuring represents a win for American taxpayers.
In an official statement, Lake exposed serious national security concerns leading to a drastic reduction in operations, in line with Trump's Executive Order aimed at cutting federal bureaucracy. She reported "massive national security violations, including spies and terrorist sympathizers infiltrating the agency." Lake accused the USAGM of being vulnerable to sensitive information leaks and of allowing spies and terrorist-linked individuals to penetrate its structure, posing a severe threat to U.S. national security.
Among other irregularities, she pointed out the misuse of public funds through dubious million-dollar contracts and agreements, as well as exorbitant expenses, such as a nearly $250 million lease on a building lacking broadcasting facilities, with a real estate broker receiving a $9 million commission.
Financial Implications and Government Efficiency
A little over a week ago, the advisory team led by billionaire Elon Musk, known as DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), sparked significant controversy by listing the lease of Radio and TV Martí's Miami headquarters among supposedly "terminated" agreements. The cancellation of the lease for the Jorge Mas Canosa building, home to Radio and TV Martí, was projected to save $5.32 million, as reported by the DOGE portal at that time.
Karoline Leavitt, assistant to the President and White House Press Secretary, highlighted the government's decision on social media platform X, asserting that President Trump has ordered the dismantling of government-funded media outlets that spread "propaganda."
Impact of USAGM Downsizing on Media Operations
What triggered the layoffs at Radio and TV Martí?
The layoffs were instigated by a significant downsizing of the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) operations, as directed by the Trump administration, which sought to reduce non-essential functions and personnel.
How will the layoffs affect Radio Martí's broadcasting?
Radio Martí will no longer have live broadcasts during regular hours, marking the first time since its inception in 1985. Any future operations will be limited under current conditions.
What are the allegations against USAGM?
The agency has been accused of resource wastage, fraud, abuse, and serious national security breaches, including infiltration by spies and terrorist sympathizers.