Washington: A U.S. federal court has ordered the reinstatement of more than 1,000 employees of Voice of America (VOA), declaring the near-total shutdown of its parent agency unlawful, according to a report by The Washington Post.
U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth ruled that the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for Global Media violated federal administrative law.
The decision mandates that all full-time employees return to work by March 23 and that international broadcasting operations resume immediately after being largely halted for nearly a year.
The court sharply criticized the actions taken under the administration of Donald Trump, particularly targeting Kari Lake, who oversaw the agency during the shutdown.
Judge Lamberth described the government’s conduct as a “flagrant and nearly year-long refusal” to comply with congressional requirements. In a strongly worded remark, he characterized the lack of transparency in the case as resembling a “Hallmark production in bad faith.”
The ruling stems from two interconnected lawsuits, including one filed by VOA Director Michael Abramowitz and another by a group of employees. Plaintiffs welcomed the decision as a “monumental” step toward restoring the agency’s credibility and operations.
In their statement, employees emphasized their commitment to repairing the damage caused during the shutdown and rebuilding trust with global audiences. Abramowitz also expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating that VOA’s role in international journalism is now more critical than ever.
The decision effectively nullifies a previous memorandum issued by USAGM officials, which had reduced the agency’s workforce to just 68 positions while eliminating all other roles.
The court’s order is expected to revive VOA’s global broadcasting services, including those in multiple languages that had been suspended during the period.
Officials from USAGM and the U.S. Justice Department have yet to comment on the ruling.