In a move that thwarts efforts to realign international media with pro-American sentiments, an activist federal judge has impeded the Trump administration’s plan to dismantle Voice of America.
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This decision calls judicial attention to the practices surrounding media management and government influence.
U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth disrupted the administration’s intentions on April 22, 2025, by ruling that the attempts to cease VOA operations violated legal standards.
The order included immediate restoration of VOA and its networks, including Radio Free Asia and Middle East Broadcasting Networks.
However, Judge Lamberth did not extend this decision to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Open Technology Fund.
The Trump administration had placed nearly all 1,300 VOA employees on administrative leave, while ending contracts for 500 contractors.
This drastic shift followed a March 14 executive order cutting funding to the U.S. Agency for Global Media, the umbrella organization for VOA, despite the $860 million in congressional appropriations they received.
VOA has historically countered global propaganda since its inception during World War II, delivering reliable news to regions devoid of free press.
Despite this noble mission, Trump and allies accused VOA of perpetuating a leftist bias and failing to uphold American values.
Government attorneys argued the VOA shutdown was a temporary measure aligned with the President’s directive.
Judge Lamberth, however, criticized the administration for executing these cuts without comprehensive analysis, particularly when these coincide with legislatively approved funding.
The ruling was celebrated by labor unions as a robust defense of independent journalism, underscoring its vital role within democracy.
The court’s decision is not just a protective measure for VOA and its affiliates but a statement against the rapid tactics employed by the administration.
Preserving these global media networks underscores America’s longstanding commitment to freedom of press and the dissemination of objective news worldwide.
As this legal battle continues, it becomes a pivotal moment for determining the future of government-funded media and their influence or independence from political interests.
The decisions made now will set precedents for how America shapes and preserves its image to a global audience — a fundamental consideration still left for resolution.
⚡️US judge orders Trump administration to restore Voice of America.
District Judge Royce Lamberth on April 22 ordered the reinstatement of all employees and the restoration of VoA news programming. https://t.co/eGLnRqaC7P
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) April 22, 2025
