A legal battle has erupted over the Trump administration’s decision to shut down Voice of America (VOA), a long-standing news broadcaster that has provided reliable information to audiences worldwide, particularly in regions with restricted press freedom.
Lawsuit Seeks to Reinstate Voice of America
Filed in the U.S. District Court in New York late Friday, the lawsuit accuses the administration of unlawfully dismantling VOA. The plaintiffs—comprising VOA reporters, Reporters Without Borders, and several unions—are challenging the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and Kari Lake, a former Arizona gubernatorial candidate now representing President Trump at the agency.
The lawsuit argues that VOA’s shutdown leaves many regions without access to independent news, making state-controlled media the only available source. “In many parts of the world, a crucial source of objective news is gone,” the lawsuit states.
Trump Administration Defends Move
Kari Lake has been vocal about her disapproval of VOA, comparing the agency to “a rotten fish” and advocating for its complete overhaul. In a statement on X, she labeled the USAGM a “national security risk” and a financial burden on American taxpayers.
The administration maintains that VOA is biased and promotes left-wing propaganda, a claim denied by its operators, who emphasize the organization’s commitment to journalistic integrity.
Impact on Other Media Outlets
The shutdown has also affected other government-funded media networks. Radio Free Asia has begun unpaid furloughs for 240 employees and has canceled freelance contracts with international correspondents. Similarly, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) has filed a lawsuit to restore its congressionally allocated funding, warning that without it, the organization may be forced to cease operations.
The outcome of these legal battles will determine the future of these media outlets and their role in providing independent journalism worldwide.
