In a recent development, a federal judge has thwarted the Trump administration's planned cuts to Voice of America (VOA), a move that would have seen hundreds of employees laid off.
The judge's order mandates the reinstatement of these employees, marking a significant victory for the news organization.
According to Breitbart, Judge Royce C. Lamberth of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued the court order on Monday. He stated that the administration had contravened his April directive to restore VOA's news coverage, which he deemed should "serve as a consistently reliable and authoritative source of news."
In his order, Lamberth expressed his frustration with the defendants' repeated resistance to the court's attempts to ascertain whether they had devised a compliance plan. He wrote, Time and time again, the defendants have resisted the Courts efforts to obtain information concerning whether they have fashioned a plan for compliance.
He further accused the defendants of "running out the clock on the fiscal year while remaining in violation of even the most meager reading of USAGM and Voice of Americas statutory obligations.
Earlier in April, Lamberth had directed the U.S. Agency for Global Media, under the leadership of former Arizona television anchor Kari Lake, to reinstate the staff of VOA, Radio Free Asia, and Middle East Broadcasting Network. He also ordered the resumption of all congressional funding to these news outlets.
In his April order, Lamberth criticized the administration's hasty action to cut USAGM, stating, They took immediate and drastic action to slash USAGM, without considering its statutorily or constitutionally required functions as required by the plain language of the executive order, and without regard to the harm inflicted on employees, contractors, journalists and media consumers around the world.
In a surprising turn of events in August, Lake issued layoff notices to all 532 remaining employees of VOA. She justified this action as a necessary measure to reduce federal bureaucracy, improve agency service, and save the American people more of their hard-earned money.
Lake stated in the notices, We are conducting this RIF at the Presidents direction to help reduce the federal bureaucracy, improve agency service and save the American people more of their hard-earned money.
In his recent order, Lamberth warned Lake and other officials of potential contempt charges if they failed to continue broadcasting. He wrote, The defendants obfuscation of this courts requests for information has wasted precious judicial time and resources and readily support contempt proceedings.
While Lamberth refrained from ordering contempt proceedings as the plaintiffs had not requested it, he made it clear that his deference should not be mistaken for leniency. He stated, However, its deference to the plaintiffs with respect to further proceedings should not be mistaken for lenience toward the defendants egregious erstwhile conduct.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, the union representing the workers, expressed its support for the judge's decision. In a statement, the union said, Todays decision affirms that the administration is failing to fulfill its duty to keep Voice of America running, which is a beacon for free speech and democracy.
This is a major victory for Voice of America workers, including AFSCME members, and for those across the globe who depend on the work they do to access free and fair reporting."
The union vowed to continue fighting against the administration's attempts to penalize Voice of America workers for their commitment to truth-telling. This case underscores the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and the media, highlighting the importance of safeguarding free speech and democracy in the face of political pressure.
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