New Leadership at USAGM

Kari Lake has taken on the role of special adviser at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), an independent body responsible for international broadcasting, including the Voice of America (VoA). Appointed by former President Donald Trump, Lake’s actions have quickly initiated significant changes within the agency.

Lease Cancellation Controversy

Over the past weekend, Lake acted to cancel a substantial lease for a new office space located at 1875 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. This decision has raised eyebrows regarding her authority, as it appears to contradict the terms set last fall during the previous administration.

The anticipated lease, which aimed to house operations as part of a move from the current facility at 330 Independence Avenue SW, would have cost taxpayers nearly a quarter of a billion dollars over its duration of 15 years. In a statement shared via social media, Lake criticized the lease, labeling it as “obscenely expensive” and claimed it was unsuitable for the agency’s broadcasting needs.

Impact on Staff and Operations

As part of a sweeping executive order issued by Trump, the vast majority of USAGM’s workforce has been placed on paid administrative leave. Lake noted the necessity of aligning the agency’s operations strictly with its statutory programs, indicating a potential downsizing of staff and functions deemed non-essential.

While asserting her commitment to efficiency, Lake stated, “Waste, fraud, and abuse have run rampant in this agency, and American taxpayers shouldn’t have to fund it.” This sentiment reflects a broader initiative to reevaluate the agency’s structure and financial responsibilities.

The Legal Framework Surrounding Lease Agreements

The legality of Lake’s lease cancellation remains uncertain. Federal leases generally operate under dedicated terms that can prevent premature termination. According to the law firm Hirschler, leases typically include firm and soft term phases, with significant penalties attached to early terminations unless explicit clauses permit such actions.

A History of VoA and USAGM

Established in 1942, Voice of America has played a pivotal role in international broadcasting. It has been under the oversight of USAGM since its formation in 1994, which was originally known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors. The agency has historically occupied the Cohen Building since 1954, although the Biden administration had earlier proposed selling this property as part of a broader initiative to reduce governmental real estate holdings.

Future of the Agency

Lake’s recent statements underscore her belief that the USAGM in its current form is “not salvageable.” With operational space only utilized by a fraction of the capacity (approximately 2% based on 2023 occupancy reports), this restructuring could drastically reshape how USAGM functions amidst ongoing budgetary pressures.