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Judge Orders Trump to Reinstate Over 1,000 VOA Employees

3/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

A federal judge orders the U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to reinstate over 1,000 VOA employees by March 23, 2026.
Judge Royce C. Lamberth ruled Kari Lake, who managed Voice of America under President Donald Trump, unlawfully withheld mandatory actions.
Lamberth previously voided Lake's mass layoffs and criticized noncompliance with staffing requirements.
Lawsuits by VOA's sidelined director and employees seek to restore operations and public support for journalism.

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Story summary

A federal judge orders the U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to reinstate over 1,000 VOA employees by March 23, 2026.
Judge Royce C. Lamberth ruled Kari Lake, who managed Voice of America under President Donald Trump, unlawfully withheld mandatory actions.
Lamberth previously voided Lake's mass layoffs and criticized noncompliance with staffing requirements.
Lawsuits by VOA's sidelined director and employees seek to restore operations and public support for journalism.