Podcast Summary: Bulwark Takes – "Trump Is Going To War With VOA. It's A Bigger Deal Than You Think."

Release Date: March 27, 2025

In this gripping episode of Bulwark Takes, host Jim Swift engages in a profound discussion with Stephen Herman, the national correspondent at Voice of America (VOA) and author of Behind the White House Curtain. The conversation delves into the escalating conflict between former President Donald Trump and VOA, exploring the broader implications for American journalism and international broadcasting.

Introduction to Guests and Background

Jim Swift opens the episode by introducing Stephen Herman, highlighting his extensive career with VOA spanning nearly two decades, including his tenure as White House Bureau Chief during Trump's first term. Swift emphasizes Herman's firsthand experiences with significant historical events, from the Fukushima nuclear incident in Japan to pivotal moments in Washington D.C. This background sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the current challenges facing VOA.

Jim Swift [00:00]: "Stephen, thanks for joining us."

Stephen Herman [00:42]: "It's my pleasure to be here."

The Current Crisis at VOA

The core of the discussion centers on the precarious situation at VOA, exacerbated by administrative actions under the Trump administration aiming to phase out the agency. Herman outlines the dire circumstances, noting that approximately 1,350 staff members are on indefinite leave with pay since mid-March, with around 550 contractors facing imminent termination. This wave of layoffs not only threatens livelihoods but also endangers international correspondents who could face persecution upon returning to their home countries.

Stephen Herman [02:09]: "There's about 1,350 staff at the Voice of America. We've all since mid March been placed on indefinite leave with pay... it's extremely concerning for a number of those colleagues who are on J1 visas and half a dozen or so face returning to countries where they would almost certainly be prosecuted and possibly put in prison."

Historical Significance of VOA

Swift and Herman reflect on the rich history of VOA, underscoring its role during World War II and the Cold War as a beacon of truthful journalism. They reference the strategic use of VOA broadcasts to counteract propaganda from nations like the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, emphasizing the organization's mission to provide unfiltered news and build trust internationally.

Jim Swift [04:46]: "Hitler apparently called VOA the zinzin addi liars."

Herman expounds on the diversity within VOA, highlighting over 50 language services and the organization's adaptability in utilizing various platforms—ranging from television and radio to modern applications like Facebook and WhatsApp—to reach different audiences worldwide.

Stephen Herman [05:29]: "I would walk into the building, the Cohen Federal Building... it was like the United Nations of broadcasting."

Impact of Administrative Actions

The conversation shifts to the strategic repercussions of the Trump administration's attempts to dismantle VOA. Herman discusses ongoing lawsuits aimed at restoring VOA's operations, noting some positive developments, such as the partial reinstatement of Radio Freet Europe (RFERL) broadcasts to Cuba. Despite these efforts, the suspension of VOA broadcasts since mid-March creates a significant information vacuum, ripe for infiltration by state-controlled media from Moscow and Beijing.

Stephen Herman [06:55]: "The temporary funding should be restored... broadcasting to Cuba in Spanish have resumed, at least for now."

Swift emphasizes the unprecedented nature of Trump's foreign policy moves, contrasting them with the sustained, mission-driven approach of previous administrations. He expresses concern over the broader implications of targeting neutral, government-funded media, which traditionally serves as a firewall against foreign propaganda.

Jim Swift [08:58]: "The fact that the authorities in Moscow and the authorities in Beijing are cheering the destruction of Voice of America, I think demonstrates the effectiveness of it."

The Essential Role of VOA in Modern Times

Addressing questions about the relevance of VOA in the age of digital media, Herman clarifies that while traditional shortwave radio remains effective in certain regions, VOA's primary focus has shifted to television and digital platforms. He defends VOA's adaptability and underscores its crucial role in providing accurate and timely information in regions besieged by misinformation and authoritarian control.

Stephen Herman [10:20]: "We do not drop kinetic bombs. We drop truth bombs on countries... it saves lives, it can prevent strife by getting information into places accurately and quickly."

Herman also highlights VOA's targeted efforts in areas such as Tibet, Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, and the Horn of Africa, where accurate information is vital for preventing chaos and supporting vulnerable populations.

Call to Action and Conclusion

In closing, Swift passionately urges listeners and Bulwark supporters to recognize the critical threat posed by the attack on VOA. He emphasizes the importance of defending neutral media and encourages proactive engagement with elected officials to safeguard this invaluable institution.

Jim Swift [16:20]: "I think you should be, too. And if you're the kind of person who's always talking to your elected officials, work that into the mix... it is telling to see what the reaction is of people who have not been historic allies, who are just over the moon at what's happening at the defenestration of VOA."

Herman concurs, reiterating the fundamental principle that VOA serves the American public by providing unbiased news, funded by taxpayer dollars, and insists that dismantling such institutions undermines the very fabric of democratic journalism.

Stephen Herman [14:09]: "VOA, it costs several hundred million dollars a year... it's meant to help."

The episode culminates with mutual expressions of support and a solemn acknowledgment of the ongoing battle to preserve VOAs integrity and operational capacity amidst political adversities.

Stephen Herman [17:27]: "Thank you, Jim. And go Reds."

Jim Swift [17:29]: "Go Reds."

Key Takeaways

• VOA's Critical Role: VOA has been a cornerstone of American international broadcasting, delivering truthful news to global audiences, especially in regions lacking reliable information sources.

• Current Threats: The Trump administration's actions to phase out VOA have placed thousands of employees on uncertain futures, with significant legal battles underway to preserve the agency's operations.

• Historical and Modern Relevance: While adapting to modern digital platforms, VOA remains essential in countering foreign propaganda and supporting democratic values worldwide.

• Call to Action: Supporters are encouraged to advocate for VOA's preservation by engaging with policymakers and recognizing the broader implications for global journalism and democracy.

This episode of Bulwark Takes serves as a poignant reminder of the essential role that neutral, government-funded media like VOA plays in maintaining global stability and promoting truth, urging listeners to stand in defense of such institutions against political assaults.