A federal judge just hit pause on a year-long shutdown that left over 1,000 Voice of America employees sidelined, and now the agency has to get back to business.
On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth ruled that the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees Voice of America, broke federal law. So he ordered the agency to reinstate its workforce and restart full operations by March 23. The decision comes after employees spent months on paid administrative leave while leadership tried to shrink the agency down to what they called its “statutory minimum.”
Judge Royce C. Lamberth did not hold back in his ruling. He pointed to what he described as a “flagrant and nearly year-long refusal” to follow congressional requirements. He also took direct aim at Kari Lake, who led the effort to scale back the agency, and wrote that “The defendants’ persistent omission and withholding of key information in this case has been a Hallmark production in bad faith.”
The ruling stems from two connected lawsuits, including one filed by VOA Director Michael Abramowitz and another brought by employees. So for many inside the agency, this decision lands as both a legal win and a chance to rebuild.
Plaintiffs Patsy Widakuswara, Jessica Jerreat, and Kate Neeper called it a “monumental decision,” adding that they are ready to repair the damage and restore trust with global audiences. Abramowitz also welcomed the outcome, saying he was “thrilled” and stressing that “Voice of America has never been more needed.”
The court’s decision wipes out a prior plan that would have reduced the agency to just 68 positions. However, government officials have not yet responded publicly to the ruling.
For now, the message is clear. The mic is back on.
