Sarah B. Rogers Plans VOA Staff Reinstatement, China Media Push

Sarah B. Rogers, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), told a Senate confirmation hearing that she will restore journalists placed on paid administrative leave at Voice of America (VOA) and other USAGM outlets. The nominee said dozens of staff who were furloughed after an executive order earlier this year would be brought back as part of a "tactical resuscitation" of resources, especially in Africa's Sahel region.

Rogers also pledged to sharpen the agency's challenge to Chinese state propaganda, expanding USAGM's presence in Asia while adding short‑form videos, podcasts and diaspora group‑chat platforms. She emphasized continued focus on Cuba, the Middle East and new outreach in Africa to counter growing Russian and Chinese influence. The agency currently operates with roughly 1,000 VOA employees on leave, a situation Rogers said she intends to reverse.