Federal Judge Rules Against Kari Lake’s Actions at Voice of America
A federal judge has determined that Kari Lake, appointed by former President Donald Trump to head the U.S. Agency for Global Media, lacked the necessary legal authority to implement major changes at the Voice of America (VOA). The ruling calls into question the legitimacy of Lake’s actions, which included significant staff reductions at the VOA. The immediate impact on VOA’s operations remains uncertain.
Lake criticized the decision made by U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth as “bogus” and announced plans to appeal.
Since World War II, Voice of America has been broadcasting news globally. However, under Lake’s leadership, the organization has operated with a severely reduced workforce, delivering content in only a few languages after numerous contracts were terminated and staff laid off.
Despite being chosen by Trump to oversee the agency that controls VOA and other entities like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Lake never secured Senate confirmation. Judge Lamberth stated that without such confirmation, Lake did not meet the legal requirements to serve in the role, as outlined by both the Appointments Clause and the Vacancies Act.
“Only the Appointments Clause or the Vacancies Act’s exclusive structure may authorize service as a principal officer, and Lake satisfies the requirements of neither the statute nor the Constitution,” wrote Lamberth.
The lawsuit prompting this decision was filed by Patsy Widakuswara, the White House bureau chief for VOA, alongside colleagues Kate Neeper and Jessica Jerreat. These journalists were among those dismissed by Lake and have been legally contesting the dismissals.
In a joint statement, the journalists expressed relief and gratitude, noting that the ruling against Lake “is a powerful step toward undoing the damage she has inflicted on this American institution that we love.” They are still assessing what the decision means for their colleagues whose employment status remains uncertain.
Supporters of Voice of America regard it as a key example of the U.S.’s “soft power,” providing unbiased news in regions where media is state-controlled. Lake has argued that government-funded media outlets are inefficient and should align with the administration’s viewpoints.
Reporters Without Borders welcomed the ruling, stating it confirmed their belief that the administration unlawfully attempted to dismantle the VOA. However, Clayton Weimers, the executive director of the organization’s North American branch, emphasized that more work is needed to enable VOA journalists to fully return to their duties. “This case is proof that fighting for press freedom matters,” Weimers said.
Lake, in a statement on X, expressed strong disagreement with the ruling, stating, “The American people gave President Trump a mandate to cut bloated bureaucracy, eliminate waste, and restore accountability to government. An activist judge is trying to stand in the way of those efforts at USAGM. Judge Lamberth has a pattern of activist rulings — and this case is no different.”
