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 failures at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). The committee has gathered information suggesting that USAGM has been misusing visa programs to hire foreign nationals without proper vetting, including individuals from countries hostile to the United States. Additionally, senior officials at USAGM are accused of abusing their authority by awarding grants to entities with significant conflicts of interest.
The lawmakers sent a letter to USAGM Senior Advisor Kari Lake, requesting documents and information to address these potential security vulnerabilities and misconduct. "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 wrote.
Investigations have revealed persistent abuses within USAGM and its networks. The Department of State’s Office of Inspector General found serious security vulnerabilities, including improper grant awards by Radio Free Asia leadership and employment based on falsified background checks. The misuse of the J-1 visa program allowed foreign nationals to fill journalistic roles that could have been occupied by American citizens, raising concerns about potential espionage risks.
The lawmakers noted that "Reportedly, the Biden Administration reversed ‘long-overdue and necessary reforms, including security reforms’" implemented during the Trump Administration. They emphasized the need for urgent action to prevent further national security risks or unethical behavior within USAGM's operations.
Read the letter to USAGM here.
