Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Defunding of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

The ruling emphasizes Congress's authority over funding and the broadcaster's critical role in promoting U.S. policy abroad.

U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration's efforts to defund Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).
The judge ruled that RFE/RL's operations are protected by congressional authority and cannot be unilaterally shut down by the executive branch.
The Justice Department confirmed that $7.4 million in funds had been disbursed, but RFE/RL warned this is only a temporary solution and further funding is needed to avoid layoffs and potential shutdown by April 2025.
RFE/RL operates in 27 languages across 23 countries, reaching over 47 million people weekly, and is seen as a vital tool for countering authoritarian propaganda and promoting democratic values.
The case highlights tensions between executive efforts to reduce federal bureaucracy and Congress's control over appropriations, with broader implications for U.S. foreign policy and soft power.