Voice of America Staffers Sue Kari Lake Over Allegations of Propaganda

A group of veteran staffers from Voice of America (VOA) has filed a lawsuit against Kari Lake, a Trump administration appointee, and Michael Rigas, the acting CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), alleging that Lake has directed the U.S.-funded news organization to broadcast pro-Trump propaganda. The lawsuit claims that Lake's actions have violated the network's charter, which mandates editorial independence and prohibits the dissemination of propaganda. The plaintiffs argue that Lake's efforts have compromised VOA's integrity, particularly during a time of crisis, such as the ongoing conflict in Iran.

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The Voice of America was established during World War II to provide factual reporting to audiences in Nazi-occupied territories. Over the decades, it has served as a critical source of unbiased journalism in regions lacking press freedom. However, following an executive order from former President Donald Trump in March 2025, which aimed to reduce VOA's operational capacity, Lake implemented significant staffing cuts and altered the network's programming. This included canceling contracts with major news agencies like the Associated Press and Reuters while negotiating to air content from the right-wing One America News Network.

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The lawsuit is spearheaded by Barry Newhouse, the former acting director of VOA's central news division; Ayesha Tanzeem, director of VOA's South and Central Asia division; Dong Hyuk Lee, head of the Korean-language service; and Ksenia Turkova, a journalist for the Russian language service. These individuals, along with advocacy organizations such as PEN America and Reporters Without Borders, assert that Lake's actions have undermined the network's commitment to journalistic integrity.

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The plaintiffs have stated, "The integrity of VOA's content is not just a legal requirement — it is in the national interest." They emphasize that VOA has historically represented America's dedication to press freedom, particularly for audiences in oppressive regimes. The lawsuit also highlights that Lake's directives have led to censorship of critical news stories, including coverage of anti-regime protests in Iran.

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Critics of Lake's leadership argue that her actions have transformed VOA into a mouthpiece for the Trump administration, compromising its mission to provide objective news. A federal judge, Royce Lamberth, has previously ruled that Lake's appointment as acting CEO was illegal, invalidating many of her actions, including mass layoffs. The judge's ruling has been met with plans for an appeal from the government.

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While the lawsuit outlines specific instances of alleged propaganda, there are discrepancies regarding the extent of the changes made under Lake's leadership. Some sources report that the network has been forced to broadcast White House statements verbatim, while others indicate that certain language services continue to operate with reduced schedules. The full impact of these changes on VOA's overall programming remains unclear.

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As the lawsuit progresses, the future of Voice of America and its editorial independence hangs in the balance. The outcome may set important precedents regarding the role of government influence in U.S.-funded media organizations. The plaintiffs and their supporters continue to advocate for the restoration of VOA's original mission and the protection of press freedoms.

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