Judge Royce C. Lamberth orders Trump administration to restore Voice of America

Federal Judge Royce C. Lamberth issued sweeping orders requiring the Trump administration to restore Voice of America operations.

“The US Agency for Global Media and Voice of America must bring back staff that it placed on administrative leave and restore its broadcasts, a federal judge ruled, finding the Trump administration’s efforts to downsize the agency were unlawful”

Bloomberg Law News

The judge mandated the return of 1,042 sidelined employees to work by March 23, 2026.

Bloomberg Law News

Broadcasts across multiple language services must be resumed under the court order.

The administration's actions to downsize VOA and its parent agency, USAGM, were found to violate federal law and the Administrative Procedure Act.

Lamberth's decision came in response to President Trump's executive order in March 2025 that sought to dismantle the international broadcaster.

Before the shutdown, VOA had reached an estimated 362 million people globally in 49 languages.

The judge gave USAGM one week to submit a plan for putting VOA back on the air.

The judge's ruling was based on the finding that Trump administration officials exceeded their legal authority.

Kari Lake, who served as the de facto head of USAGM, was specifically cited for acting beyond her powers.

CBS News

Lamberth sharply criticized the administration's handling of VOA.

The judge stated officials failed to provide 'anything approaching a principled basis for their decision'.

The actions were deemed 'arbitrary and capricious' by the court.

The Trump administration's 'flagrantly and nearly year-long refusal' to comply with federal laws constituted APA violations.

Lamberth had previously called the government's efforts 'a hasty, indiscriminate approach'.

Voice of America has a rich historical significance dating back to its founding in 1942 during World War II.

“A spokesperson for USAGM did not respond to CNN’s requests for comment”

CNN

It was established to counter Nazi propaganda in occupied territories.

The broadcaster provided news of both Allied defeats and victories to earn credibility.

During the Cold War, VOA expanded as a form of American soft power.

It provided news in countries where free press was blocked or intimidated.

VOA served as a model for journalism in pluralistic democracy, incorporating unwelcome news and dissent.

Before the overhaul, it reached 361 million people weekly on 49 language services in over 100 countries.

It played a crucial role in providing reliable information in regions with limited press protections.

The court orders will have a significant human impact on the 1,042 sidelined VOA employees.

These employees have been on paid administrative leave for nearly a year.

Deadline

Patsy Widakuswara, VOA's White House bureau chief and plaintiff, expressed deep gratitude.

Three plaintiffs in a joint statement said they are eager to repair the damage caused by Lake.

They want to return to their congressional mandate and rebuild trust with global audiences.

The employees emphasized their commitment to 'produce journalism, not propaganda'.

They acknowledged that restoring operations and reputation would be difficult but essential.

The ruling represents a significant setback for the Trump administration's efforts.

The administration sought to reshape international broadcasting into pro-Trump messaging operations.

DIE WELT

Kari Lake had previously denounced Lamberth's rulings and vowed to appeal.

Her actions as USAGM head were found to be 'void' by the judge.

Trump has nominated Sarah Rogers to lead USAGM, requiring Senate confirmation.

The restoration orders come amid ongoing litigation challenging the administration.

Experts warn that battles may continue regarding editorial independence.

There are concerns about whether the editorial firewall will be respected.