House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer and Subcommittee Chairwoman Marjorie Taylor Greene have initiated an investigation into security issues and management problems at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). The committee has gathered information suggesting that USAGM has misused visa programs to hire inadequately vetted foreign nationals, including individuals from countries hostile to the United States. There are also allegations of senior officials awarding grants to entities with significant conflicts of interest.
In a letter addressed to USAGM Senior Advisor Kari Lake, the lawmakers requested documents and information to ensure that the agency no longer poses national security risks or engages in improper activities. “The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is conducting oversight of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, especially longstanding security vulnerabilities exacerbated by mismanagement—a situation that persisted for years at the agency,” they stated.
Investigations have uncovered serious security issues within USAGM, including improper grant awards by Radio Free Asia leadership and employment of over 1,500 individuals in sensitive roles based on falsified background checks. Additionally, misuse of the J-1 visa program was noted, allowing foreign nationals to fill journalistic roles meant for American citizens.
“Reportedly, the Biden Administration reversed ‘long-overdue and necessary reforms’ that were implemented during Trump’s presidency,” said Comer and Greene. They emphasized their commitment to ensuring USAGM does not continue practices that could pose national security threats.
The committee aims to address these concerns urgently so that USAGM’s operations align with its mission without compromising national security or ethical standards.
