In a court decision that has infuriated President Donald Trump, an activist federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore the Voice of America (VOA) news service.
See the tweet below!
The ruling blocks an executive order that aimed to silence one of the most historic sources of international news.
U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth ruled against the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle VOA and its affiliated networks like Radio Free Asia and Middle East Broadcasting Networks.
VOA has been serving as an independent news source, countering propaganda since its inception during World War II.
However, the administration accused the news service of not aligning with pro-American values and exhibiting a left-leaning bias.
The court’s decision indefinitely halts the closure of VOA, arguing that the Trump administration’s actions were unlawful.
Judge Lamberth said the funding cuts were rushed and lacked necessary analysis.
While VOA and two affiliated networks gained protection, the request to restore funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and the Open Technology Fund was denied.
Last month, nearly all VOA employees were placed on administrative leave due to an executive order by Trump.
This directive aimed to pause operations and bring the Agency in line with the President’s agenda.
Critics argue this shutdown was an overreach and obstructed truthful, objective reporting, which is essential in democracies.
According to reports from WRIC, the U.S. Agency for Global Media, responsible for overseeing VOA, received close to $860 million in congressional appropriations for this fiscal year.
This was juxtaposed against the executive order to cut funding, raising concerns over the balance of power and the safeguarding of taxpayer money.
The labor union representing USAGM employees praised the court’s decision, calling it a defense of independent journalism.
The ruling is believed to protect the credibility of USAGM journalists from undue political influence, ensuring they can serve their global audience without bias or government pressure.
🚨BREAKING: Federal Judge Royce Lamberth just issued an order saying the Trump administration must "restore" Voice of America state-funded media outlet, re-hire employees…suit involves Kari Lake – POLITICO
This judge sentenced me to prison for peacefully protesting on Jan 6th pic.twitter.com/Ib8kKmnjaU
— Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) April 22, 2025
Government attorneys, on the other hand, defend the shutdown as a temporary measure, aiming to make VOA resonate more with the President’s vision for American media.
The administration wishes the organization to reflect American ideals more robustly, while critics argue that such changes could lead to government overreach and infringement on journalistic freedom.
