Judge Orders Reinstatement of Over 1,000 Voice of America Employees
A Republican-appointed federal judge has issued a landmark ruling, ordering the reinstatement of more than 1,000 Voice of America employees. This decision comes after a Trump administration order effectively dismantled the radio network, leading to mass layoffs and significant operational disruptions.
Legal Rulings Against Agency Shutdown
In two separate rulings made on Tuesday, US District Judge Royce Lamberth declared that attempts to shut down operations of the US Agency for Global Media are illegal. USAGM is an independent federal agency that oversees Voice of America. Judge Lamberth mandated that all affected employees must return to work by 23 March, providing a clear deadline for compliance.
Furthermore, Judge Lamberth instructed the agency to develop a comprehensive plan for restoring VOA's broadcasting capabilities. This directive aims to ensure a smooth transition back to full operational status, addressing the year-long hiatus that has impacted global news dissemination.
Background on Leadership and Lawsuits
Judge Lamberth's latest order follows a previous ruling just 10 days earlier, where he stated that former USAGM director Kari Lake illegally led the agency. The judge noted that Trump's attempts to place Lake and others into leadership positions unlawfully withheld mandatory agency actions. Lake oversaw USAGM from 31 July to 19 November 2025, during which she laid off more than 1,000 employees.
In response, Lake announced on Twitter her intention to appeal the ruling regarding the lawful status of her leadership. Last year, she was also blocked by a federal judge from removing Michael Abramowitz as VOA director. Abramowitz, along with another group of employees, later filed separate lawsuits against the government, highlighting ongoing legal battles.
Reactions from Key Figures
Michael Abramowitz, the VOA director, praised Judge Lamberth's decision in a statement to the Washington Post. He emphasized, "Voice of America has never been more needed." Abramowitz expressed gratitude for the resilience and dedication of VOA's workforce, underscoring the importance of their role in global broadcasting.
Plaintiffs in the other lawsuit, including former employees Patsy Widakuswara, Jessica Jerreat, and Kate Neeper, described the ruling as a "monumental decision" in their statement to the Post. They stated, "We are eager to begin repairing the damage Kari Lake has inflicted on our agency and our colleagues, to return to our congressional mandate, and to rebuild the trust of the global audience we have been unable to serve for the past year."
Impact on Voice of America
Voice of America is the United States' largest and oldest international broadcaster, providing critical funding for news agencies such as Radio Free Asia and Radio Free Europe. According to the Washington Post, VOA employees have been on paid administrative leave for an entire year, significantly hampering their ability to serve global audiences.
The Trump administration has consistently sought to defund the agency since 2025, instructing Lake to reduce it to the "minimum presence and function required by law." This latest judicial intervention marks a pivotal moment in preserving VOA's mission and ensuring its continued operation in line with congressional mandates.
