Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Cuts to Voice of America

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to halt its efforts to dismantle Voice of America (VOA) and other networks under the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), restoring employment and operations that had been curtailed pursuant to a March executive order. Judge Royce Lamberth characterized the administration's actions as arbitrary and lacking statutory consideration, emphasizing the harm inflicted on employees and the global audience dependent on VOA's news coverage. The court's preliminary injunction requires the government to reinstate staff and contractor agreements and unfreeze appropriated funds. Lawsuits filed by VOA staffers and journalists argued that shutting down the outlet violated congressional mandates and threatened press freedom, especially in regions where VOA is a critical source of objective news. The ruling was praised by unions and advocacy groups as a victory for independent journalism and U.S. soft power abroad. The Trump administration retains the right to appeal the decision.