A legal challenge has been initiated by a coalition of former Voice of America (VOA) staff, including journalists and other employees, in conjunction with advocacy groups. This action aims to reverse a series of terminations connected to President Donald Trump’s recent Executive Order 14238, which eliminated multiple federal entities, notably impacting the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the parent company of VOA.
The complaint, filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, requests an injunction requiring the federal government to reinstate the terminated employees and contractors to their former positions prior to March 14, the date when the order was signed. The suit highlights the perceived infringement of statutory protections enshrined in 22 USC § 6204(b), which directs the government to safeguard the “professional independence and integrity” of VOA and its affiliated networks. This is further compounded by allegations of the Trump Administration’s arbitrary actions, purportedly violating the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
The plaintiffs include notable organizations such as Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF), Reporters Without Borders (RSF USA), and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), alongside individuals who hold J-1 visas now at risk of cancellation. These individuals are likely to face deportation to countries with authoritarian governments. Facing this legal challenge are the USAGM, its Acting CEO Victor Morales, and senior advisor Kari Lake.
The lawsuit argues that the actions taken by the Administration echo previous attempts to suppress press freedom during Trump’s first term. This echoes a similar situation in 2020 when a federal court intervened to halt efforts deemed excessive. The plaintiffs insist that the recent steps have left VOA unable to fulfill its broadcasting mandate, resulting in a critical cessation of its operations and outreach.
In this context, the plaintiffs have called for judicial reinforcement to reverse Secretary Trump’s decisions and enforce compliance with existing statutes. They are also seeking a ruling affirming violations of the First Amendment, the separation of powers clause, the APA, and the appointments clause.
Former VOA staff member, Steve Herman, has publicly shared his experiences of suspension tied to social media activities, adding to the narrative of administrative overreach. Clayton Weimers, Executive Director at RSF, has also conveyed concerns regarding the implications of these actions, cautioning that they may inspire broader crackdowns against journalistic freedom and placing VOA as well as RSF personnel at greater risk.
For more details, read the JURIST article covering the case proceedings.