Federal Judge Orders Restoration of Voice of America Following Administration's Dismantling
A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration must restore Voice of America, citing violations of federal law and the need for independent journalism.
The second Trump administration has taken a chainsaw to the agency as a whole in an attempt to shutter it completely.
Voice of America restored by judge after Trump dismantled taxpayer-funded outlet in March
FOX News·10d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.
Trump and his allies have wielded federal funds to dismantle programmes and agencies within the government that they dislike and compel greater ideological compliance from media organisations and universities under the premise of combatting what the administration portrays as “left-wing” views.
US judge blocks Trump’s effort to shutter international news service
Al Jazeera·10d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.
The targeted networks deliver information to countries around the world that lack a robust or free press.
Judge blocks Trump administration plans to dismantle Voice of America
NPR·10d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The Trump administration has attacked Voice of America as the “Voice of Radical America,” as it has sought to undermine news media in general in the initial months of his presidency.
Voice Of America And Other Government-Funded Networks Must Be Restored, Judge Rules
Deadline·10d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The funding cuts “reflect a hasty, indiscriminate approach” — particularly since they were made the same day that President Trump signed the congressional appropriation that funded Voice of America and the networks through September of this year.
Federal judge blocks Trump administration from dismantling Voice of America
Associated Press·10d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.VOA has been operating under statutory mandate and with steady congressional appropriations for over eighty years, and in so doing, has cultivated an audience of 425 million listeners who rely on VOA's output — particularly in areas of the world where a free press is otherwise unavailable.
Judge Blocks Trump Admin's Efforts to Dismantle VOA
Newsmax·10d·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.
Summary
U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth ordered the Trump administration to restore operations of the Voice of America (VOA) and other federally-funded broadcasters. The judge ruled that the administration's decision to cut funding and place 1,300 employees on administrative leave was illegal, citing arbitrary actions without proper analysis. The ruling, a response to a lawsuit from VOA staff, highlights the important role of independent journalism and reinstates funding for VOA, Radio Free Asia, and Middle East Broadcasting Networks, while excluding Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The White House previously accused VOA of promoting a 'leftist bias'.
Perspectives
A federal judge ruled to restore operations of Voice of America (VOA) and other affiliated broadcast networks after a Trump administration executive order suspended their work and funding.
The court found the administration's decision to dismantle the agency arbitrary and lacking a reasoned analysis, seeing it as counter to free speech protections and congressional appropriations laws.
The ruling is seen as a reaffirmation of the role of independent journalism in promoting democracy and countering disinformation globally, with critiques of the Trump administration's actions framed as censorious.
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