# U.S. Judge Rules Kari Lake Broke Law in Overseeing Voice of America
A federal judge has declared that Kari Lake acted unlawfully as acting CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the parent organization of **Voice of America (VOA)**, nullifying all her actions over the past year, including mass layoffs of over 1,000 staffers.[1]
This stunning ruling by U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth, issued on Saturday evening, marks a significant setback for the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the government-funded international broadcaster. Lamberth, a Reagan appointee, wrote that Lake “satisfies the requirements of neither the statute nor the Constitution,” emphasizing her ineligibility to serve in the role.[1] The decision voids key moves under her tenure, such as firing contractors, laying off nearly all permanent staff at VOA and USAGM, dismissing VOA Director Michael Abramowitz (a move previously blocked), striking deals to air content from One America News Network, withholding funds from outlets like Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia, and canceling a cost-saving headquarters lease.[1]
## Background: Trump’s Push to Dismantle VOA
Voice of America, established during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda, operates under USAGM alongside networks like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia. These outlets broadcast in multiple languages to promote U.S. interests abroad, funded by Congress with mandates for accurate, unbiased reporting.[1][3]
The controversy erupted after Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration. Trump dismissed six of seven members of USAGM’s bipartisan oversight board, which Congress empowered to appoint VOA’s director in the CEO’s absence.[1] In late February 2025, he named Lake—a former Fox News anchor, Arizona gubernatorial candidate, and Trump ally—as a “senior advisor” to the agency.[1] Lake later testified she handled 95% of the CEO’s duties, while the nominal acting CEO focused on reports.[1]
On July 31, 2025, Lake began styling herself as acting CEO without public documentation of the appointment, despite questions from NPR and former officials about her eligibility under federal law.[1] She dropped the title in mid-November 2025 after lawsuits challenged it but resumed signing documents as such in early 2026, which Justice Department lawyers called a “formatting accident.”[1]
## The “Bloody Saturday” Layoffs and Legal Battles
Lake’s most aggressive actions came nearly a year ago in a single weekend, dubbed “Bloody Saturday” by former Trump-era USAGM acting CEO Grant Turner.[1] She sought to lay off all full-time staff at VOA and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, cut funding to sister networks, and place VOA staff on administrative leave via executive order.[1][3]
Earlier moves included firing nearly 600 contractors in May 2025 and issuing termination notices to hundreds in June, some rescinded due to errors but with promises of more reductions.[3] VOA’s publishing channels went largely dormant.[3]
Legal challenges mounted quickly. Plaintiffs, including staff and advocacy groups like Democracy Forward, argued Lake lacked authority. Lamberth repeatedly rebuked the administration, questioning Lake’s credibility, threatening contempt, and ruling she couldn’t fire Abramowitz without board or CEO approval.[1][4] An appellate court queried reinstating workers but upheld mandates for Congress-set programming levels.[1]
## Judge Lamberth’s Scathing Rebuke
Lamberth’s latest opinion affirmed Lake’s *de facto* control, rendering her ineligible.[1] “Lake is plainly ineligible to serve” under relevant statutes, he wrote, noting no evidence Trump formally appointed her.[1] All actions since her self-declaration are null and void, a “powerful affirmation of the rule of law,” per Skye Perryman of Democracy Forward.[1]
The ruling follows courtroom clashes where Lamberth dismissed arguments that Congress had no role in USAGM’s fate.[1]
## Reactions and Next Steps
Lake vowed to appeal, calling Lamberth an “activist judge” blocking Trump’s mandate to cut “bloated bureaucracy.”[1] The White House and USAGM have faced no-response queries on her appointment.[1]
Plaintiffs hailed it as a win against “autocracy.”[1] VOA’s future hangs in balance amid appeals, with prior wins ensuring some programming continuity.[1]
This case underscores tensions between executive overhaul ambitions and congressional oversight of independent broadcasters. As litigation continues, USAGM’s operations remain in limbo, with over 1,000 jobs in flux and global audiences affected.[1][3]
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Original source: NPR News – U.S. Judge says Kari Lake broke law in overseeing Voice of America
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