Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump Administration's Defunding of Radio Free Europe

The ruling halts the shutdown of U.S.-funded broadcasters, citing violations of federal law and Congress's authority over appropriations.

U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth issued a temporary restraining order, preventing the Trump administration from defunding Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).
The judge ruled that the administration’s actions violated Congress's constitutional power to allocate funding, as RFE/RL's operations are statutorily mandated.
The Trump administration disbursed $7.4 million in previously frozen funds to RFE/RL, but the broadcaster warns this is only a temporary solution to avoid layoffs and potential closure by April.
RFE/RL, funded by Congress since the Cold War, plays a key role in promoting democracy and countering authoritarian propaganda in regions with limited press freedom.
Further legal proceedings are expected to address the broader implications of the administration’s executive order targeting U.S.-funded broadcasters like Voice of America and Radio Free Asia.