A federal judge told the Trump team to give back all jobs at Voice of America. The court said cutting more than 1300 workers broke the law. President Trump called the broadcaster anti-Trump before he fired staff. VOA started during World War II against Nazi messages.
Judge Royce Lamberth noted that VOA stopped reporting news for the first time in 80 years. He ordered workers returned to their positions at VOA, Radio Free Asia, and Middle East Broadcasting Networks. The case showed that the White House ignored harm to employees around the world. VOA White House reporter Patsy Widakuswara expects the government will appeal despite her gratitude for the ruling.
Trump often attacks media outlets he believes show bias against him. After taking office in January, he put political ally Kari Lake in charge of VOA. Trump later ordered the agency overseeing VOA to be eliminated. Another judge already temporarily blocked this move after many groups sued.
Judge Lamberth wrote that the administration cannot shut down VOA because Congress funds it. He called the actions clearly arbitrary. The White House did not comment on the decision. VOA continues its mission to spread American stories worldwide through factual reporting.
Judge Royce Lamberth noted that VOA stopped reporting news for the first time in 80 years. He ordered workers returned to their positions at VOA, Radio Free Asia, and Middle East Broadcasting Networks. The case showed that the White House ignored harm to employees around the world. VOA White House reporter Patsy Widakuswara expects the government will appeal despite her gratitude for the ruling.
Trump often attacks media outlets he believes show bias against him. After taking office in January, he put political ally Kari Lake in charge of VOA. Trump later ordered the agency overseeing VOA to be eliminated. Another judge already temporarily blocked this move after many groups sued.
Judge Lamberth wrote that the administration cannot shut down VOA because Congress funds it. He called the actions clearly arbitrary. The White House did not comment on the decision. VOA continues its mission to spread American stories worldwide through factual reporting.
