WASHINGTON: A federal judge has ordered the US Agency for Global Media to reinstate over 1,000 employees and fully restore operations of Voice of America by March 23.
In a landmark ruling on Tuesday, US District Judge Royce C. Lamberth found that previous actions to shut down large parts of VOA and its affiliated networks violated federal law and the agency’s mandate. The court’s decision overturns mass layoffs and program suspensions.
The controversy stems from restructuring carried out in 2025 under Kari Lake, a former television anchor and supporter of Donald Trump. Lake joined USAGM as senior adviser in March 2025, later became deputy chief executive, and served as acting CEO from July to November 2025, despite never being Senate-confirmed.
During her tenure, VOA’s global broadcasts were cut, and significant portions of its staff were dismissed or placed on leave. Judge Lamberth ruled that the agency had no valid justification for these measures and declared them unlawful.
Michael Abramowitz, VOA’s director who had been targeted for removal, welcomed the decision, calling it a chance to resume operations. He praised the resilience and dedication of staff who endured months of uncertainty.
The restructuring had worldwide repercussions, including for South Asian journalists, with roughly 100 Pakistani employees losing their jobs in VOA’s Urdu and Pashto services.
Founded during World War II, VOA broadcasts in dozens of languages and serves as a cornerstone of US public diplomacy, with a statutory duty to deliver accurate and balanced news to international audiences.
While the administration is expected to appeal, the court order currently requires USAGM to restore operations and recall staff by March 23.