REGULATORY · USA
Judge orders VOA reinstatement of 1,000+ employees
Change
A federal judge ordered more than 1,000 Voice of America employees reinstated and directed they return to work by 23 March.
Why it matters
U.S. district judge Royce Lamberth issued two rulings requiring reinstatement of more than 1,000 Voice of America employees. The rulings direct those employees to return to work by 23 March. The agency is ordered to create a plan for returning Voice of America broadcasts to the air. Lamberth earlier found that Kari Lake unlawfully led the US Agency for Global Media during 31 July–19 November 2025, a period that included the large-scale layoffs.
Implications
- · USAGM must return affected employees to active employment by 23 March.
- · USAGM must develop and deliver a plan to restore Voice of America broadcasting operations.
- · Leadership changes enacted during Kari Lake’s tenure have been legally invalidated.
Who is affected
- · US Agency for Global Media leaders and human-resources teams
- · Voice of America journalists and production staff
- · VOA management and legal teams
What to watch
- · Return-to-work deadline: 23 March
Source
Topics
World & Politics Governance Law & Public Safety Court Rulings Regulatory Actions