Trump tried to dismantle Voice of America. Today, the government is paying to rebuild it.

THE Asset The administration moved last year to gut the federal agency that oversees Voice of America in the name of eliminating waste and shrinking government, saying it would cost $153 million in fiscal year 2026 to close the agency.

Instead, Congress gave the U.S. Agency for Global Media $643 million for this fiscal year so it could continue operating — and now USAGM is rebuilding what the administration dismantled in the first months of the president’s term. that of Donald Trump second term.

That includes reinstating canceled contracts, rehiring staff and purchasing new equipment — all while paying $3.2 million every two weeks to 420 employees to remain furloughed, according to a report. new report from the Department of State Inspector General. The State Department oversees USAGM.

The watchdog does not count the total closure measures and resulting lawsuits, which are still working their way through the courts. But he notes that some decisions intended to save money have been reversed, “resulting in additional costs for taxpayers.”