Department of Government Efficiency faces rising costs from USAGM cuts

The Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) is facing a financial paradox during Donald Trump’s second term. While intended to reduce bureaucracy and eliminate waste, attempts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM)—the parent agency for Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Free Asia—have resulted in significant costs.

Due to legal challenges and the lack of Congressional approval for spending changes, the government is currently paying approximately $1.6 million per week to more than 400 journalists, technicians, and officials. These employees have been placed on forced paid administrative leave following attempts to terminate their positions.

Although the administration initially aimed to save roughly $153 million in the fiscal year, the resulting legal injunctions and constitutional constraints have prevented permanent dismissals, leading to a situation where employees are being paid to remain away from their offices.