State Department Watchdog Finds USAGM Botched Layoffs, Spent $3.2 Million Biweekly on Idle Staff

The State Department's inspector general found that USAGM's 2025 layoffs were carried out without analyzing their cost or effect on the agency's mission, Government Executive reported Oct. 5. In June 2025, USAGM sent reduction-in-force notices to more than 600 employees; errors forced it to reissue those notices two months later, and it remains unclear whether the layoffs will take effect. As of July, more than 400 employees remained on paid leave at a cost of about $3.2 million every two weeks.

The report adds to a pattern GAO and agency inspectors general have found across the administration's rapid personnel cuts: reductions made without documented planning, followed by costly reversals. USAGM also canceled, then began reinstating, cybersecurity IT contracts, and recalled some staff on an ad hoc basis rather than through strategic workforce planning.

Acting USAGM CEO Michael Rigas agreed with all of the inspector general's recommendations, including developing a strategic workforce plan. Sarah Rogers's nomination to lead USAGM permanently remains pending, and the underlying layoff litigation is ongoing.