US judge orders Trump administration to reopen Voice of America

March 18, 2026

A U.S. District Court judge has ruled that the mass dismissal of Voice of America journalists and the effective shutdown of the broadcaster in 2024 were illegal. Judge Royce Lamberth determined that Kari Lake, who President Trump appointed to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media, lacked the authority to fire over 1,000 VOA staff members because she was never confirmed by the Senate. The judge characterized the firings as arbitrary and ruled that the government failed to consider legal requirements dictating which languages and regions VOA must serve.

Who is affected

More than 1,000 Voice of America journalists and staff members who were dismissed
Over 85% of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) employees who were fired
Three VOA journalists who filed the lawsuit, including Patsy Widakuswara
Persian Service reporters previously called back to work
Audiences in almost 50 language communities who received VOA broadcasts

What action is being taken

Authorities have been ordered by Judge Lamberth to reinstate the journalists within one week
Authorities have been ordered to put Voice of America back on air within one week
Most dismissed employees remain on paid administrative leave

Why it matters

This ruling challenges presidential authority over federally-funded media organizations and reinforces legal protections that prevent politically-motivated purges of government employees without proper Senate confirmation. The case has significant implications for press freedom and the independence of U.S. international broadcasting, which was established to counter propaganda rather than promote it. The decision also affects millions of people worldwide who rely on VOA for news in nearly 50 languages, particularly in regions where independent journalism is scarce.

What's next

Authorities have one week to reinstate the VOA journalists and restore broadcasting operations
Sarah Rogers, Lake's nominated successor, may potentially appeal the ruling (though it remains unclear whether she will do so)
Rogers's appointment requires Senate confirmation before she can take office

Read full article from source: BBC