Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Plan to Lay Off Voice of America Staff

A federal judge in Washington has ordered the Trump administration to halt plans to lay off more than 500 employees from the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees Voice of America (VOA). The decision, issued by U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, temporarily blocks the layoffs while the court determines if the agency complied with an earlier injunction requiring VOA to operate as a “reliable and authoritative source of news.”

The layoffs would have affected 532 full-time staff members, representing the majority of the agency’s workforce. VOA broadcasts were already shut down in March under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, sparking lawsuits challenging the order’s legality. Among those suing is Michael Abramowitz, VOA’s director.

In his ruling, Judge Lamberth sharply criticized the administration’s actions, stating he “no longer harbors any doubt” that USAGM and its leadership lack a plan to meet legal obligations. He accused officials of deliberately running out the fiscal year while remaining in violation of statutory requirements. The court specifically noted “concerning disrespect” for its directives.

At the center of the controversy is Kari Lake, appointed by Trump as acting CEO of USAGM. A former news anchor and loyal Trump ally, Lake has long accused mainstream outlets of anti-Trump bias. Her leadership of VOA has heightened concerns over political influence on U.S. government-funded journalism.

Founded in 1942 to counter Nazi propaganda, VOA has grown into a critical global news service. According to a 2024 USAGM report to Congress, VOA reaches an estimated 360 million people worldwide each week.

The White House, USAGM, and lawyers representing the employees have not yet commented on the ruling. As the legal battle unfolds, the future of Voice of America and its role as an independent international broadcaster remains uncertain.