Biden sets acting-CEO order for the U.S. Agency for Global Media

President Joe Biden issued a January 3, 2025 memorandum setting who could act as chief executive officer of the U.S. Agency for Global Media if the CEO could not serve. The memo placed the director of Voice of America first, followed by USAGM’s general counsel, chief financial officer, and chief management officer. It relied on the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and applied the usual limits that prevent someone already serving in an acting capacity from moving up through the succession list just because of that acting role. The action mattered because USAGM oversees U.S.-funded international broadcasting, and leadership continuity affects how those networks operate during vacancies or transitions.