WASHINGTON: A federal judge has directed the US Agency for Global Media to reinstate more than 1,000 employees of Voice of America and fully restore its operations by March 23.
In a major ruling issued Tuesday, US District Judge Royce C. Lamberth found that earlier decisions to shut down large portions of VOA and its affiliated networks violated federal law and the agency’s legal mandate.
The order requires USAGM to resume broadcasts and bring back staff who were dismissed or placed on leave, effectively reversing widespread layoffs and programme suspensions.
The controversy traces back to restructuring efforts in 2025 led by Kari Lake, a former television anchor and supporter of Donald Trump. She joined USAGM as a senior adviser in March 2025, later became deputy chief executive, and briefly served as acting CEO from July to November that year.
Although never confirmed by the US Senate as CEO, Lake wielded significant authority within the agency. During her tenure, USAGM implemented sweeping cuts, scaled back VOA’s global broadcasts, and shut down key parts of its operations.
Judge Lamberth ruled that the agency failed to justify dismantling the broadcaster, declaring the actions taken under Lake’s leadership unlawful.
VOA Director Michael Abramowitz welcomed the decision, calling it a critical step toward resuming operations. He said the organisation was ready to return to work and highlighted the importance of VOA’s role in global news coverage.
The restructuring had widespread consequences, particularly for international staff. In South Asia, around 100 Pakistani journalists working in VOA’s Urdu and Pashto services lost their jobs after those divisions were reduced or shut down.
Founded during World War II, VOA broadcasts in multiple languages and has long been seen as a key tool of US public diplomacy, tasked with delivering accurate and balanced news worldwide.
While the administration is expected to challenge the ruling, the court has ordered immediate compliance, requiring USAGM to restore services and recall staff by the March 23 deadline.