Overview

• U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth issued an injunction barring Michael Abramowitz’s removal unless a majority of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board votes to oust him.
• Lamberth deemed the attempted firing “plainly contrary to law” and ordered Abramowitz reinstated until a lawful board action occurs.
• The ruling notes the Broadcast Act gives the president a remedy for any quorum obstacle by replacing removed board members.
• Abramowitz had been placed on administrative leave and told he would be terminated Aug. 31 after more than 600 VOA employees received layoff notices in June.
• In a separate order earlier this week, Lamberth required senior USAGM adviser Kari Lake to sit for questioning over alleged moves to dismantle VOA.