Trending Now - Judge Rules Against Trump-era Changes to Voice of America

WHO:

U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth

Kari Lake, President Trump's choice to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM)

Plaintiffs: Patsy Widakuswara, Kate Neeper, Jessica Jerreat

Reporters Without Borders

WHAT:

Judge Lamberth ruled that Kari Lake unlawfully ran USAGM and that her actions, including mass layoffs, are void.

Lake's actions led to the termination of contracts and layoffs of most Voice of America (VOA) employees, resulting in the agency operating with a skeleton staff.

The plaintiffs expressed feeling “vindicated and deeply grateful” for the ruling.

Lake referred to the ruling as “bogus” and stated that it will be appealed.

Lamberth stated that Lake did not have legal authority to act as a principal officer due to violations of the Constitution’s appointments clause and the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.

WHERE:

Voice of America, a government-funded entity in the United States

U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM)

WHEN:

Ruling made on Saturday, March 7, 2026

In March 2025, Trump expressed a desire to eliminate the agency.

Lake assumed the role of acting CEO during the summer and fall of 2025.

WHY:

The ruling was a response to actions taken by Lake under the Trump administration to dismantle the Voice of America, which is seen as a critical institution for promoting democratic values and providing unbiased news coverage.

HOW:

Lake placed the entire VOA workforce on administrative leave and pulled funding from other US-backed broadcasters.

The lawsuit was filed by VOA employees to challenge Lake's actions and restore the agency's operations.

(UPDATED March 8, 2026 05:20 UTC)

In a significant ruling on Saturday, March 7, U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth determined that Kari Lake, President Trump's appointee to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media, unlawfully ran the agency, voiding her actions that resulted in mass layoffs and the termination of contracts at Voice of America. The plaintiffs, including former VOA employees, expressed their gratitude for the ruling, while Lake dismissed it as "bogus" and announced plans to appeal, arguing she acted within her authority. Judge Lamberth stated that Lake's actions violated the Constitution’s appointments clause and the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, which led to the agency operating with a severely reduced staff.