The Voice of America building in image of June 15, 2020(AP Photo)
A lawsuit has been filed against the Trump administration for unlawfully shutting down Voice of America (VOA), a government-funded news agency that has provided independent journalism for decades. The case, filed in New York federal court, seeks to restore VOA and protect press freedom worldwide.
A Threat to Independent Journalism
The lawsuit was brought by VOA reporters, Reporters Without Borders, and several unions against the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and Kari Lake, President Trump’s representative at the agency.
For years, VOA has been a key source of news in countries where press freedom is limited. However, the lawsuit argues that shutting it down has left millions without access to unbiased reporting.
"In many parts of the world, a crucial source of objective news is gone," the lawsuit states.
A ‘Chainsaw’ Approach to News World
The Trump administration has accused VOA of being biased and has worked to dismantle it. The lawsuit claims they shut it down unlawfully in an effort to silence independent journalism.
"The administration has taken a chainsaw to the agency," the lawsuit alleges.
Kari Lake has been one of the strongest critics of VOA. In an interview with Newsmax, she compared the agency to “a rotten fish”, saying it needed to be completely rebuilt.
She also posted on social media, calling the U.S. Agency for Global Media “a giant rot” and “a burden to taxpayers.” She believes the agency is “irretrievably broken” and should be stripped down.
Growing Concerns Over Media Funding
VOA is not the only media outlet facing trouble. Radio Free Asia (RFA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)—two of VOA’s sister networks—are also struggling after funding was cut.
On Friday, 240 employees at Radio Free Asia—about 75% of its staff—were put on unpaid leave. The network has also ended contracts with freelance reporters who help cover international news.
Meanwhile, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has already filed a lawsuit demanding its funding be restored. RFE/RL broadcasts in 23 countries and 27 languages, and warns that without money, it will be forced to shut down most of its operations.
A Fight for Press Freedom
Clayton Weimers, executive director of Reporters Without Borders, said his organization had no choice but to step in.
"We had to act to protect VOA and press freedom," he said.
The lawsuits argue that blocking government-approved funding is unprecedented and puts independent journalism at risk. If VOA, RFA, and RFE/RL do not resume operations, millions of people around the world will lose access to reliable news—leaving only government-controlled media in many countries.
