On May 3, 2025, a federal appeals court blocked a previous ruling that mandated the Trump administration to reinstate over 1,000 Voice of America (VOA) employees and resume full broadcasting operations. The initial order, issued by U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth on April 22, directed the administration to restore staff positions and resume radio, television, and online news broadcasts, including the reinstatement of $15 million in grants for Radio Free Asia and Middle East Broadcasting Networks.

The appeals court, in a 2-1 decision, questioned Judge Lamberth’s jurisdiction over the matter. The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) had previously placed most of its staff on leave and terminated contractors in March after Trump advisor Kari Lake shut down the agency, citing alleged bias and dysfunction. This action led to VOA ceasing news reporting and website updates for the first time in its 80-year history.

Despite the halt, the appeals court noted that the government did not challenge the aspect of Lamberth’s ruling requiring the restoration of VOA’s “statutorily required programming levels.” Reports indicated that VOA was preparing to resume broadcasts in the following week, though USAGM had not officially commented.

U.S. Circuit Judge Cornelia Pill … expressing concern that the decision could irreparably harm VOA and related networks. She warned that it might result in “silencing Voice.”

The situation remains fluid, with the full restoration of services still in limbo as legal proceedings continue.

Source: Reuters