In a significant rebuke to former President Donald Trump’s efforts to curb the U.S. government’s international broadcasting operations, a federal judge has ordered the full restoration of jobs and funding for the Voice of America (VOA) and other U.S.-funded news outlets. Judge Royce Lamberth, delivering a sharp ruling from Washington, D.C., concluded that the administration’s attempts to dismantle these organizations “violated the law and Constitution,” and disregarded the severe harm inflicted on journalists and global audiences alike.
More than 1,300 employees, including nearly 1,000 journalists, had been placed on leave after Trump issued a sweeping executive order targeting VOA and its sister organizations. The move, justified by the White House as a response to what it labeled “anti-Trump” and “radical” reporting, led to the first cessation of news output in VOA’s 80-year history.
Voice of America’s Legacy and Global Role Under Threat
Founded during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda, VOA has long been a vital voice of American perspectives and democratic ideals around the world. Despite technological evolution, it remains heavily reliant on radio broadcasting, reaching millions across countries where free press is restricted. Its sister organizations, including Radio Free Asia and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, share a similar mission of providing uncensored news.
Judge Lamberth’s ruling underscored the historic significance of these outlets, lamenting that due to the cuts, “VOA is not reporting the news for the first time in its 80-year existence.” The decision restores not only the employment and contracts of affected workers but also seeks to revive a crucial part of America’s soft power at a time of increasing global information warfare.
Legal and Legislative Battles Against Executive Overreach
The case was brought forward by VOA journalists and advocacy groups who argued that Trump’s order unlawfully undermined the International Broadcasting Act and intruded upon Congress’ exclusive authority over funding decisions. A separate federal judge in New York had already temporarily halted the executive order, signaling the widespread legal concern surrounding the administration’s actions.
Judge Lamberth emphasized the Trump administration’s overreach, stating, “It is hard to fathom a more straightforward display of arbitrary and capricious actions.” His directive mandates the administration to reinstate employees and contractors to their original positions and to ensure funding continues for VOA and affiliated outlets, a direct rebuff to Trump’s strategy to “eliminate” the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM).
Journalists Celebrate Victory but Prepare for Further Challenges
VOA’s White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara, a lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, expressed cautious optimism about the ruling. “My colleagues and I are grateful for this ruling. But we know that this is just a small step forward, as the government is likely to appeal,” she said, reflecting concerns that the battle for editorial independence is far from over.
Widakuswara reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to its congressional mandate: “We are committed to continuing to fight against what we believe is the administration’s unlawful silencing of VOA until we can return to our mission: to tell America’s stories with factual, balanced, and comprehensive reporting.” Many inside VOA see the ruling as a critical defense of press freedom, but recognize that continued vigilance will be necessary.
Trump’s Long-Running Feud With the Media Fuels Controversy
Trump’s combative relationship with the media was a hallmark of his presidency, often labeling mainstream outlets as “fake news” and accusing them of harboring deep-seated bias against him. VOA, despite its congressional charter mandating nonpartisan reporting, was not spared from his attacks. Shortly after taking office, Trump appointed Kari Lake, a political ally who publicly supported his false claims of a stolen 2020 election, to lead VOA.
In March, Trump escalated his offensive by ordering the “maximum elimination” of the USAGM, raising alarms among free press advocates. Although the White House and USAGM have not yet commented on Judge Lamberth’s decision, the ruling marks a significant affirmation that government-funded media outlets must remain independent and operate free from political interference — a principle central to VOA’s founding mission.
