Federal Judge Orders Restoration of Voice of America Operations

On March 16, 2026, U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth ordered the Trump administration to restore operations at Voice of America (VOA), a government-funded news organization. This ruling comes after a year-long period during which the Trump administration had effectively shut down the agency, significantly downsizing its workforce and limiting its broadcasting capabilities. Judge Lamberth mandated that over 1,000 employees, who had been placed on administrative leave, be reinstated by March 23, 2026, and that a plan for resuming broadcasts be submitted within a week.

France 24

The Trump administration's actions against VOA were initiated following an executive order that aimed to reduce the agency's staff and resources. Kari Lake, appointed by Trump to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), was responsible for implementing these cuts, which left only 68 employees active at the agency. Judge Lamberth previously ruled that Lake's appointment was unlawful, which invalidated the job cuts and the administration's rationale for them.

Newsweek

Judge Lamberth's decision is significant as it reinforces the congressional mandate that requires VOA to operate as an independent news agency, providing diverse perspectives to audiences in regions with limited press freedoms, including Iran, China, and Russia. The ruling has been welcomed by VOA staff and advocates for press freedom, who argue that the agency plays a crucial role in countering misinformation and promoting democratic values globally.

France 24

In response to the ruling, Patsy Widakuswara, VOA's White House bureau chief and a plaintiff in the lawsuit against the Trump administration, expressed gratitude and eagerness to restore the agency's operations. She emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust with the global audience that VOA serves. Meanwhile, a White House spokesperson stated that efforts to improve efficiency at USAGM had been successful and indicated that the administration might appeal the ruling.

The Hill

Critics of the Trump administration's actions, including members of Congress and press freedom advocates, have argued that the efforts to curtail VOA's operations were politically motivated and undermined the agency's mission. The administration had accused the broadcaster of bias, claiming it presented left-leaning perspectives. However, the court's ruling highlights the legal obligations of the agency to maintain its operations and uphold journalistic standards.

New York Times

Following the ruling, USAGM is expected to develop a plan to restore VOA's broadcasting capabilities. The agency's leadership is currently in transition, with Trump nominating Sarah Rogers to replace Lake, a move that requires Senate confirmation. The outcome of this nomination and any potential appeals by the Trump administration will be closely monitored as the situation develops.

France 24

• “Defendants have provided nothing approaching a principled basis for their decision,” — Judge Royce C. Lamberth

KARE11

• “We are eager to begin repairing the damage Kari Lake has inflicted on our agency and our colleagues, to return to our congressional mandate, and to rebuild the trust of the global audience we have been unable to serve for the past year,” — Patsy Widakuswara, VOA White House bureau chief

KARE11

• “We hope the American people will continue to support our mission to produce journalism, not propaganda.” — Patsy Widakuswara, VOA White House bureau chief

KARE11