Kari Lake, a special adviser, is currently managing the dismantlement of federally funded international broadcasting networks. Federal judges have intervened with restraining orders, halting her actions against the Voice of America and other networks.
Kari Lake and the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) are facing significant challenges as they navigate multiple federal court battles.
Recent rulings from federal judges have raised barriers to Lake’s efforts to dismantle five government-funded international broadcasters overseen by USAGM.
On Friday, U.S. Judge J. Paul Oetken issued a temporary restraining order preventing Lake, USAGM, and acting chief Victor Morales from taking further actions to shut down the Voice of America (VOA). This order comes after the agency suspended VOA’s full-time staff indefinitely and terminated all contractual employees.
VOA, which broadcasts to millions globally, has not produced new content since March 15.
Another federal judge in Washington has frozen Lake’s efforts to cut funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, leading USAGM to notify the network that funding would be reinstated. However, uncertainty remains regarding future operations.
Lake’s Political and Legal Challenges
Initially a local TV news anchor, Lake has transitioned to a prominent adviser in Washington, working closely with the Trump administration. She has publicly criticized VOA and its associated networks, alleging they are biased against conservative viewpoints.
Following the court rulings, Lake expressed her desire to realign the networks to better serve the administration’s priorities, advocating for a shift towards content that supports U.S. diplomatic policies.
“Voice of America has an incredible mission. It needs to return to it,” she stated, emphasizing the need to modernize the network.
The Trump administration has made efforts to drastically reduce the agency’s budget, asserting that operational cuts are necessary. This has drawn criticism from congressional members who defend the value of VOA and its sister networks.
Judicial Intervention on First Amendment Grounds
Judge Oetken addressed the plaintiffs’ claims that Lake and USAGM had violated legal and constitutional standards, including the enforcement of federal laws. He emphasized that Congress has historically allocated budgetary resources to VOA.
In a parallel ruling, Judge Royce C. Lamberth blocked Lake’s attempt to strip Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty of its mandated funds, stating such actions were not legally justified.
Both judges reinforced the notion that USAGM’s compliance with the administration’s directives does not negate Congress’s authority to allocate funding for these networks.
In total, over 1,500 employees have been affected by administrative leave or termination, raising serious operational concerns for the networks.
Challenges Beyond Legalities
The swift actions taken by Lake and USAGM have already had tangible impacts on operations across the board. Radio Free Asia has significantly reduced its workforce while Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty faces emergent financial difficulties.
Workers have reported the emotional toll of returning their security passes at VOA as uncertainty looms for staff stationed in countries where they may encounter hostile environments due to critical reporting by U.S.-funded outlets.
The international broadcasting networks aim to promote American ideals and serve as platforms for free expression around the globe, reaching over 420 million people weekly.
Although originally considered for a director position at VOA, Lake’s proposed changes have not materialized as anticipated. The future governance structure of USAGM also remains unresolved.
Moreover, Lake has suggested a voluntary buyout for USAGM employees, hinting at possible large-scale layoffs, further adding to the atmosphere of uncertainty.
