A federal judge in New York City granted a temporary restraining order on Friday, halting the Trump administration's efforts to shut down the Voice of America (VOA). Several VOA journalists initiated the lawsuit, arguing the administration's actions were unlawful and unconstitutional.
US District Court Judge J. Paul Oetken issued the temporary restraining order, preventing further attempts to terminate VOA operations. This order remains in effect for a period of up to 21 days. Andrew G. Celli Jr., representing the VOA journalists, stated, “This is a decisive victory for press freedom and the First Amendment, and a sharp rebuke to an Administration that has shown utter disregard for the principles that define our democracy.”
The plaintiffs' complaint emphasized the potential consequences of silencing VOA: “In the world at large, the vacuum left by defendants pulling the plug on USAGM’s news networks is being filled by propagandists whose messages will monopolize global airwaves, while VOA, Radio y Television Martì, RFE/RL, RFA, Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and others — credible voices to the contrary — are silenced.” Meanwhile, RFE/RL affirmed its commitment to its mission and legal pursuit of appropriated funds, stating: “RFE/RL’s commitment to our audiences and our Congressionally-mandated mission remains steadfast. We look forward to receiving the funds that Congress has appropriated to us through the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). Until then, we will pursue all necessary legal remedies to ensure that Congressional intent is respected.”