A federal judge has ruled that Kari Lake unlawfully exercised authority over the federal agency that oversees Voice of America, invalidating many of her actions and delivering a significant legal setback to the Trump administration’s effort to overhaul the broadcaster.
What the Judge Ruled
U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth found that Lake lacked legal authority to run the U.S. Agency for Global Media, the federal entity responsible for Voice of America and several other U.S.-funded international broadcasting networks.
In his ruling, Lamberth said Lake’s role violated both the Constitution’s Appointments Clause and the Federal Vacancies Reform Act because she was never formally nominated for the position or confirmed by the Senate.
The judge wrote that the administration made “an unlawful effort” to transform Lake into the agency’s chief executive “in all but name.”
Actions Declared Invalid
Because the court determined Lake lacked legal authority to lead the agency, Lamberth ruled that many decisions made during her tenure are “null and void.”
Those actions included major operational changes at the agency, such as:
- Mass layoffs affecting journalists and staff
- Termination of numerous contracts across USAGM networks
- Efforts that significantly curtailed Voice of America operations
More than 1,000 employees and contractors were affected by the cuts, according to reports.
The Lawsuit
The case was brought by Voice of America journalists and staff, including VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara.
Plaintiffs argued that Lake lacked the authority to dismantle or restructure the agency and that her actions undermined the organization’s statutory mission.
They described the ruling as a victory for the independence of U.S. international broadcasting.
Lake’s Response
Lake rejected the ruling and said she intends to appeal.
She accused the judge of issuing what she called an “activist” decision and argued that the administration’s changes were aimed at reducing bureaucracy and reforming the agency.
Why Voice of America Matters
Voice of America was founded during World War II and broadcasts news around the world in dozens of languages.
The organization is widely viewed as a key element of U.S. public diplomacy, providing international audiences with news coverage intended to counter propaganda from authoritarian governments.
Bottom Line
A federal judge ruled that Kari Lake unlawfully ran the U.S. Agency for Global Media, the federal body overseeing Voice of America.
Because she was never nominated or confirmed by the Senate, the court found her authority violated federal law and declared many of her decisions— including layoffs and operational cuts — legally invalid.
The ultimate impact on Voice of America operations remains unclear as the case moves toward appeal.
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