Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Dismantling Voice of America
Federal court preserves international broadcasting service citing improper funding cuts
A federal judge has ruled against the Trump administration's attempt to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), the 83-year-old international news service established by Congress. U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth determined that the administration illegally required VOA to cease operations and ordered the restoration of its broadcasting capabilities. The ruling also protects Radio Free Asia and Middle East Broadcasting Networks, though requests for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Open Technology Fund were denied.
The legal challenge emerged after President Trump issued a March 14 executive order that reduced funding to the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees VOA. Following this order, nearly 1,300 VOA employees were placed on administrative leave and approximately 500 contractors were informed their contracts would be terminated. Judge Lamberth criticized the funding cuts as reflecting a "hasty, indiscriminate approach," particularly since they were implemented the same day Trump signed congressional appropriations funding these entities through September.
KEY POINTS
- •Judge blocks VOA dismantling
- •Trump cut funding via executive order
- •Court cites hasty, improper process
Voice of America has operated since World War II with a mission to broadcast news into authoritarian countries lacking free press. It began as a counterpoint to Nazi propaganda and played a significant role in U.S. Cold War efforts. The Trump administration and Republican allies have characterized VOA as having a "leftist bias" and failing to project "pro-American" values, while plaintiffs maintain it reports news "truthfully, impartially, and objectively."
The American Foreign Service Association praised the ruling as an affirmation of independent journalism's role in advancing democracy and countering disinformation. The organization described these networks as "essential tools of American soft power" that serve as trusted sources of information in regions where reliable news is scarce. The court's decision to uphold editorial independence was characterized as protecting the credibility of USAGM journalists and their global mission.
Congress had appropriated nearly $860 million for the Agency for Global Media for the current fiscal year. The U.S. Agency for Global Media's leadership includes special adviser Kari Lake, a former TV news anchor and political candidate. Government attorneys had argued that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate irreparable harm, describing the situation as a "temporary pause" while determining how to bring VOA into compliance with the President's directive.