Federal appeals court halts VOA reinstatement, leaves 1,000 staff return in limbo

A federal appeals court has blocked the reinstatement of more than 1,000 Voice of America (VOA) employees, casting uncertainty over the international broadcaster’s return to operations following a temporary legal victory in April.

In a 2-1 decision on Saturday, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals granted a stay against a previous district court ruling that had ordered the Biden administration to restore Voice of America and its parent agency, the US. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), to their pre-executive order status.

Judges Neomi Rao and Gregory Katsas, both Trump appointees, argued the lower court likely lacked subject-matter jurisdiction.

Judge Nina Pillard, appointed by President Obama, dissented, warning the decision effectively “silences Voice of America for the foreseeable future.”

The move follows a March 14 executive order from former President Donald Trump aimed at dismantling or shrinking USAGM and six other federally funded international broadcasters, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia.

The White House’s order halted operations, froze funding, and suspended access for hundreds of journalists and contractors.

District Judge Royce Lamberth temporarily reversed that action in late April, calling the order “arbitrary” and in violation of constitutional protections.

His ruling offered a brief window for VOA and affiliated staff to prepare for a phased return to work.

However, Saturday’s stay derailed that plan. DOJ had already informed attorneys that employees would resume broadcasting and office duties starting next week. That has now been paused.

Kari Lake, senior adviser at USAGM, called the appeals ruling a “huge victory” for Trump and executive authority.

The court’s decision continues a high-stakes legal battle over the future of US-funded international media, as the case now proceeds toward a full appeal.