A federal judge has approved a request for a temporary injunction in a lawsuit brought against the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and two of its executives over its firings of employees and the withdrawal of federal funding from certain external broadcasting outlets.
The injunction on Tuesday effectively requires the USAGM and its executives — acting USAGM Director Victor Morales and Special Advisor Kari Lake — to reinstate workers and contractors who were laid off last month at the Voice of America and several of its peer broadcasters, and to reinstate funding for outlets like Radio Free Asia, Radio Marti and Al Hurra, among others.
The lawsuit is one of two filed by workers at Voice of America over the USAGM’s decision to cut off federal funding and fire workers. That action was rooted in an Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump in March, which required seven named agencies — including USAGM — to significantly reduce their operations in an effort to reduce government spending.
VOA receives federal money that is appropriated by Congress. Plaintiffs in two lawsuits filed against USAGM said the deprivation of funding was illegal, because it was rooted in an Executive Order that went beyond the scope of the president’s ability.
“Today’s ruling is a victory for the rule of law, for press freedom and journalistic integrity, and for democracy worldwide,” Everett Kelley, the President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), a union representing many staffed workers at VOA, said in a statement. “The Trump administration’s illegal attempt to shutter Voice of America and other outlets under the U.S. Agency for Global Media was a transparent effort to silence the voices of patriotic journalists and professionals who have dedicated their careers to spreading the truth and fighting propaganda from lawless authoritarian regimes.”
“This preliminary injunction will allow these employees to get back to work as we continue the fight to preserve their jobs and critical mission,” Kelley continued.
The overall lawsuit still continues, but the injunction effectively forces USAGM to continue funding VOA and reinstate many of the affected workers while the case proceeds. It isn’t clear if USAGM intends to appeal the matter. Voice of America has largely been off the air since its funding was cut and employees fired last month.
“Today’s ruling is a major win for AFSCME members and Voice of America workers, who have dedicated their careers to reporting the truth and spreading freedom to millions across the world. The judge’s message is clear – this administration has no right to unilaterally dismantle essential agencies simply because they do not agree with their purpose,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “We celebrate this decision and will continue to work with our partners to ensure that the Voice of America is restored.”
“Journalists hold power to account — and that includes the Trump administration,” said NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss. “This injunction orders the administration to reverse course and restore the Congressionally-mandated news broadcasts of Radio Free Asia, Voice of America and other newsrooms broadcasting to people who hope for freedom in countries where that is denied.”
“We are gratified by today’s ruling. This is another step in the process to restore VOA to full operation.” said Government Accountability Project Senior Counsel David Seide.
“Today’s ruling marks a significant victory for press freedom and for the dedicated women and men who bring it to life—our clients, the journalists, executives, and staff of Voice of America,” said Andrew G. Celli, Jr., Founding Partner at Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP and counsel for the plaintiffs. “VOA is more than just an iconic brand with deep roots in American and global history; it is a vital, living force that provides truth and hope to those living under oppressive regimes. We are thrilled that its voice — a voice for the voiceless — will once again be heard loud and clear around the world.”
“This decision is a powerful affirmation of the rule of law and the vital role that independent journalism plays in our democracy. The court’s action protects independent journalism and federal media professionals at Voice of America as we continue this case, and reaffirms that no administration can silence the truth without accountability,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, co-counsel for the plaintiffs. “We are proud to be with workers, unions and journalists in resisting political interference against independent journalism and will continue to fight for transparency and our democratic values.”
“Today’s decision is another necessary step in restoring the rule of law and correcting the injustices faced by the workers, reporters, and listeners of Voice of America and US Agency for Global Media,” said Amb. Norm Eisen (ret.), co-founder and executive chair of the State Democracy Defenders Fund. “By granting this preliminary injunction, the court has reaffirmed the legal protections afforded to these civil servants and halted an attempt to undermine a free and independent press. We are proud to represent this resilient coalition and support the cause of a free and fair press.”
“This decision is a powerful affirmation of the role that independent journalism plays in advancing democracy and countering disinformation. From Voice of America to Radio Free Asia and across the U.S. Agency for Global Media, these networks are essential tools of American soft power—trusted sources of truth in places where it is often scarce,” said Tom Yazdgerdi, president of the American Foreign Service Association. “By upholding editorial independence, the court has protected the credibility of USAGM journalists and the global mission they serve.”
“We’re very pleased that Judge Lamberth has recognized that the Trump administration acted improperly in shuttering Voice of America,” said Clayton Weimers, Executive Director of RSF USA. “The USAGM must act immediately to implement this ruling and put over 1,300 VOA employees back to work to deliver reliable information to their audience of millions around the world.”
