Lawsuit Challenges Trump Administration's Shutdown of Voice of America

Voice of America (VOA) journalists, alongside unions and Reporters Without Borders, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration claiming that the abrupt shutdown of the U.S.-funded network violates the First Amendment and congressional authority. The suit, lodged in Manhattan federal court, seeks reinstatement of over 900 employees and 550 contractors who have been placed on indefinite leave, as the shutdown has left VOA’s services inactive for over a week. Kari Lake, appointed by Trump to oversee the U.S. Agency for Global Media, defended the closure, describing the agency as 'irretrievably broken' and a burden to taxpayers. Critics argue that this shutdown undermines press freedom and leaves a significant void in objective news coverage, particularly in authoritarian countries. The lawsuit reflects broader concerns about the erosion of journalistic standards and the potential rise of state-sponsored propaganda filling the gap left by VOA. Similar legal actions have emerged, signaling ongoing resistance against the administration's media policies.