Judge Rules Kari Lake Illegally Ran Voice of America, Voids Actions

A federal judge has ruled that Kari Lake, a senior advisor at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), acted unlawfully while overseeing the agency and its broadcasting networks, including Voice of America (VOA). The ruling, issued Saturday evening, invalidates a series of actions Lake took last year, including significant staff cuts and operational changes at VOA. The judge found that Lake was ineligible for the position and lacked the legal authority to implement the changes she made.

Legal Challenges and the Federal Vacancies Reform Act

U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth determined that Lake did not meet the requirements of either the statute or the Constitution to serve as acting CEO. NBC News reports that the judge’s decision stems from a lawsuit brought by VOA journalists and a union representing federal employees who argued that Lake’s appointment and subsequent actions violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and the Constitution’s Appointments Clause. The judge’s ruling effectively nullifies the layoffs of over 1,000 staffers at USAGM and VOA.

The legal basis for the challenge centers on the requirements for filling positions within the federal government when a permanent appointee is not in place. The Federal Vacancies Reform Act outlines specific rules for who can serve in an acting capacity and for how long. According to the ruling, Lake was not an employee of USAGM when the previous CEO resigned in January 2025 and had not been confirmed by the Senate for any other federal post. She joined USAGM as a senior advisor in March 2025.

A History of Restructuring and Executive Orders

The USAGM, formerly known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors, is an independent agency responsible for broadcasting news and information to regions with limited press freedom. According to the USAGM’s Wikipedia page, it oversees networks like Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Radio Free Asia. The agency has been subject to significant scrutiny and restructuring in recent years.

In March 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14238, directing the elimination of USAGM “to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law,” alongside several other agencies. Following this order, approximately 85% of the staff at USAGM and its subsidiaries were eliminated, leaving only around 250 employees. The Office of Cuba Broadcasting was the only component to retain its full complement of staff.

Concerns Over Editorial Independence and Propaganda

The judge’s ruling comes after months of concerns raised about Lake’s leadership and potential interference with the editorial independence of VOA. NPR reported in August 2025 on questions surrounding the legality of Lake’s authority and actions. More recently, accusations surfaced that Lake was using VOA to disseminate pro-Trump propaganda, particularly regarding the conflict in Iran.

Voice of America, established during World War II, has historically aimed to provide objective news and information to audiences worldwide, particularly in countries where a free press is restricted. The agency’s mission is to present a balanced and accurate portrayal of events, including dissenting viewpoints. Critics argue that Lake’s actions undermined this core principle and risked turning VOA into a tool for political messaging.

Lake’s Response and Potential Appeals

Kari Lake has stated her intention to appeal the judge’s ruling, arguing that the Trump administration had a mandate to cut bureaucracy and restore accountability to government. She characterized the judge’s decision as an activist ruling and suggested a pattern of bias. However, the judge’s decision represents a significant setback for the administration’s efforts to reshape USAGM and its broadcasting networks.

What Comes Next: Reversing the Changes and Restoring Operations

The immediate impact of the ruling is the invalidation of Lake’s actions, potentially opening the door for the reversal of staff cuts and operational changes. The plaintiffs in the case – VOA journalists Patsy Widakuswara and Jessica Jerreat, and US Agency for Global Media chief strategy officer Kate Neeper – expressed hope that the decision would lead to the restoration of VOA’s global operations and a renewed focus on journalistic integrity. The ruling similarly allows for the possibility of reinstating funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, which were targeted for cuts under Lake’s leadership.

However, the path forward remains uncertain. The agency faces significant challenges in rebuilding its workforce and restoring its operations after the extensive layoffs. An outside audit, commissioned by the State Department’s inspector general, revealed that the agency was unable to provide basic financial information due to the staffing reductions. The agency has indicated it will attempt a full audit in the coming year.

The judge’s decision underscores the importance of adhering to legal procedures and protecting the independence of government-funded media organizations. It also highlights the ongoing debate over the role of the U.S. Government in international broadcasting and the balance between promoting American values and maintaining journalistic integrity.

Democracy Forward, the legal advocacy group that co-counseled the plaintiffs, hailed the ruling as a “powerful affirmation of the rule of law” and a “win in the fight against autocracy.” The case serves as a reminder of the critical role that independent journalism plays in a democratic society and the need to safeguard its independence from political interference.