Voice of America Faces Legal Battle Amid Shutdown Controversy
Voice of America, a prominent U.S.-funded broadcaster, is at the center of a legal storm following actions by the Trump administration that have led to widespread job losses and halted operations. The situation has sparked a lawsuit from several of its journalists, who claim the administration’s decisions are unconstitutional.
Six journalists from Voice of America have filed a lawsuit against Kari Lake, a special adviser to former President Trump, and the Trump administration. They argue that the shutdown of the network infringes on their First Amendment rights and disregards Congress’s fiscal authority.
Recently, almost all full-time employees of the network were placed on indefinite leave, affecting over 900 individuals, while 550 contractors were terminated. The parent agency, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), also furloughed most of its staff.
The lawsuit’s lead plaintiffs include former White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara and press freedom editor Jessica Jerreat. Other plaintiffs are suing anonymously. Kathryn Neeper, a director at USAGM, is also part of the suit, having been placed on leave.
Voice of America journalists, although not widely recognized in the U.S. due to broadcasting restrictions, have gained attention for their reporting. Widakuswara notably questioned former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the Irish Taoiseach on sensitive issues related to the Trump administration.
Claims of Mismanagement
Kari Lake, a special adviser overseeing USAGM, justified the shutdown by citing “waste, fraud, and abuse” within the agency. This move led to Voice of America’s operations effectively being halted, with its content updates and streaming services coming to a standstill.
The lawsuit, also naming acting USAGM Chief Executive Victor Morales, seeks the reinstatement of staff. It references legal measures designed to protect the network from political interference, ensuring its professional integrity.
David Seide, the lead attorney for the plaintiffs, criticized Lake’s decisions, stating, “Tragically, Kari Lake lives in the MAGA fantasy world, but she makes decisions that have real-world consequences for hundreds of journalists.” The lawsuit is supported by various advocacy groups and unions.
Lake has dismissed requests for interviews from certain media outlets, including NPR, stating, “Kari Lake does not grant interviews or interact with disreputable ‘news’ outlets like NPR.”
Historical Support and Impact
Voice of America has received consistent funding from Congress since its inception during World War II. It serves as a tool of soft power, promoting American values in regions lacking a free press. The network reaches over 420 million people weekly across more than 100 countries.
The funding freeze has had immediate consequences, with Radio Free Asia furloughing much of its U.S.-based staff. Steve Capus of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty warned of “drastic actions” if funds are not restored.
Legal Precedents and Current Developments
The current lawsuits echo past legal challenges, notably during Trump’s first term when Michael Pack, then head of USAGM, faced allegations of overreach. The new litigation includes claims by foreign journalists on J-1 visas, who risk deportation if the agency remains non-operational.
Kari Lake, with a background in local TV and political campaigns, has assumed a significant role within USAGM. Although initially considered for the director position of Voice of America, her focus has shifted toward shutting down the network, aligning with top administration advisers.
