Victory for Press Freedom: USAGM Back in Action!

Ladies and Gentlemen, BUYERS AND SELLERS, LISTEN UP! Today, April 22, 2025, is a day that will go down in history as a triumph for press freedom and the rule of law. The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has granted a preliminary injunction in Widakuswara v. Lake, affirming that the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) was unlawfully shuttered by the administration. This is a HUGE WIN for journalists, federal workers, and unions who have been fighting tooth and nail to protect this critical agency.

The decision ensures that USAGM must fulfill its legally required functions and protects the editorial independence of Voice of America (VOA) journalists and other federal media professionals within the agency and newsrooms that receive grants from the agency, such as Radio Free Asia and others. This is a MAJOR VICTORY for the rule of law, for press freedom and journalistic integrity, and for democracy worldwide.

AFGE National President Everett Kelley couldn't have said it better: "The Trump administration’s illegal attempt to shutter Voice of America and other outlets under the U.S. Agency for Global Media was a transparent effort to silence the voices of patriotic journalists and professionals who have dedicated their careers to spreading the truth and fighting propaganda from lawless authoritarian regimes. This preliminary injunction will allow these employees to get back to work as we continue the fight to preserve their jobs and critical mission."

AFSCME President Lee Saunders echoed this sentiment, stating, "Today’s ruling is a major win for AFSCME members and Voice of America workers who have dedicated their careers to reporting the truth and spreading freedom to millions across the world. The judge’s message is clear – this administration has no right to unilaterally dismantle essential agencies simply because they do not agree with their purpose."

NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss added, "Journalists hold power to account and that includes the Trump administration. This injunction orders the administration to reverse course and restore the Congressionally-mandated news broadcasts of Radio Free Asia, Voice of America and other newsrooms broadcasting to people who hope for freedom in countries where that is denied."

Government Accountability Project Senior Counsel David Seide expressed his gratitude for the ruling, saying, "We are gratified by today’s ruling. This is another step in the process to restore VOA to full operation."

Andrew G. Celli, Jr., Founding Partner at Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP and counsel for the plaintiffs, emphasized the importance of VOA, stating, "VOA is more than just an iconic brand with deep roots in American and global history; it is a vital, living force that provides truth and hope to those living under oppressive regimes. We are thrilled that its voice—a voice for the voiceless—will once again be heard loud and clear around the world."

Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, co-counsel for the plaintiffs, highlighted the significance of the court's action, saying, "This decision is a powerful affirmation of the rule of law and the vital role that independent journalism plays in our democracy. The court’s action protects independent journalism and federal media professionals at Voice of America as we continue this case, and reaffirms that no administration can silence the truth without accountability."

Amb. Norm Eisen (ret.), co-founder and executive chair of the State Democracy Defenders Fund, praised the court's decision, stating, "Today’s decision is another necessary step in restoring the rule of law and correcting the injustices faced by the workers, reporters, and listeners of Voice of America and US Agency for Global Media. By granting this preliminary injunction, the court has reaffirmed the legal protections afforded to these civil servants and halted an attempt to undermine a free and independent press."

Tom Yazdgerdi, president of the American Foreign Service Association, emphasized the role of independent journalism in advancing democracy and countering disinformation, saying, "This decision is a powerful affirmation of the role that independent journalism plays in advancing democracy and countering disinformation. From Voice of America to Radio Free Asia and across the U.S. Agency for Global Media, these networks are essential tools of American soft power—trusted sources of truth in places where it is often scarce."

Clayton Weimers, Executive Director of RSF USA, expressed his satisfaction with the court's decision, saying, "We’re very pleased that Judge Lamberth has recognized that the Trump administration acted improperly in shuttering Voice of America. The USAGM must act immediately to implement this ruling and put over 1,300 VOA employees back to work to deliver reliable information to their audience of millions around the world."

This is a HUGE WIN for press freedom and the rule of law. The court's decision ensures that USAGM must fulfill its legally required functions and protects the editorial independence of VOA journalists and other federal media professionals. This is a victory for democracy worldwide and a testament to the power of the rule of law. So, let's celebrate this victory and continue to fight for press freedom and the rule of law. BOO-YAH!