Judge blocks Trump admins move to shut down VoA, Radio Free Asia
A view of the Voice of America (VOA) building, a day after more than 1,300 of the employees of the media broadcaster, which operates in almost 50 languages, were placed on leave in Washington, D.C., U.S. March 16, 2025.PHOTO: REUTER
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A US federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to halt its efforts to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Asia, and Middle East Broadcasting Networks, ruling the move likely violated federal law and the Constitution.
US District Judge Royce Lamberth issued a preliminary injunction requiring the administration to immediately restore all employees and contractors to their positions prior to the March 14 executive order.
The judge condemned the cuts as 'arbitrary and capricious,' noting that they jeopardized journalism operations and put overseas reporters at risk.
The Trump administration's attempt to scale back the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA and other outlets, led to the suspension of over 1,300 employees—nearly 1,000 of them journalists.
It also disrupted news programming for millions of global audiences who rely on these services, especially in regions with limited press freedom.
Judge Lamberth said the administration acted without legal authority, disregarded congressional appropriations, and failed to evaluate the consequences of its actions.
'The silencing of VOA for the first time in 80 years is a clear violation of statutory mandates,' he wrote.
Critics argue the shutdown was politically motivated. President Trump had previously accused VOA of bias and appointed allies to key positions, including Kari Lake, known for supporting his false 2020 election claims.
VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara, a lead plaintiff in the case, praised the ruling but warned that the fight is far from over, as an appeal is likely.
Media freedom groups and unions have welcomed the injunction as a win for press independence and US international credibility.
The court's order ensures the continued operations of VOA, Radio Free Asia, and other USAGM networks.
VOA and affiliated networks serve an estimated 425 million people worldwide, making the judge's ruling a significant setback to the administration's efforts.
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