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4w ago

Federal Judge Trump Administration's Dismantling of Voice of America

The court's temporary restraining order halts layoffs and funding cuts, citing violations of federal law and Congressional mandates.

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A view of the Voice of America (VOA) building, a day after more than 1,300 of the employees of the media broadcaster, which operates in almost 50 languages, were placed on leave in Washington, D.C., U.S. March 16, 2025.
A view of the Voice of America (VOA) building, a day after more than 1,300 of the employees of the media broadcaster, which operates in almost 50 languages, were placed on leave in Washington, D.C., U.S. March 16, 2025.
A view of Voice of America (VOA) news service center.

Overview

  • U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Trump administration from shutting down Voice of America (VOA) and related broadcasters.
  • The judge ruled that the administration's actions violated federal law by failing to adhere to Congressional mandates and statutory requirements for VOA's operations.
  • More than 1,200 VOA employees, previously placed on administrative leave, are temporarily protected from termination, though the agency remains largely offline.
  • Funding has been partially restored to other U.S.-backed broadcasters like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia following similar legal challenges.
  • Critics argue the shutdown attempt undermines press freedom and U.S. influence, with lawsuits ongoing to determine the future of VOA and related entities.