Judge Rules Kari Lake Unlawfully Led US Agency for Global Media, Voiding Actions

A federal judge has ruled that Kari Lake’s leadership of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) last year violated federal law, invalidating a series of actions she took to cut staff and curtail operations at its Voice of America (VOA) unit. The ruling, issued on Saturday, March 7, 2026, marks a significant setback for efforts to reshape the agency under the Trump administration.

Legal Challenge and Ruling

U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth granted a summary judgment in favor of plaintiffs – including VOA journalists and a union representing federal employees – who argued that Lake’s appointment as acting CEO and subsequent actions were in violation of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and the Constitution’s Appointments Clause .

Judge Lamberth determined that Lake was ineligible to serve as acting CEO due to the fact that she was not an employee of USAGM when former CEO Amanda Bennett resigned in January 2025 and had not been confirmed by the Senate to any other federal position . Lake joined USAGM as a senior advisor in March 2025 and was later referred to as deputy CEO in a November 21 agency news release.

The judge also dismissed the administration’s argument that Lake could exercise CEO authority through delegation from previous acting CEO Victor Morales .

Lake’s Response and Potential Appeal

Kari Lake immediately responded to the ruling, labeling Judge Lamberth an “activist” and stating that the agency would appeal the decision. She asserted that the judge has a “pattern of activist rulings” and maintained that the Trump administration had a mandate to cut bureaucracy and restore accountability to government .

Impact on Voice of America and USAGM

The ruling invalidates actions Lake took, including mass layoffs and attempts to fire the VOA director. It also potentially reverses those layoffs . Plaintiffs, including VOA journalists Patsy Widakuswara, Kate Neeper, and Jessica Jerreat, expressed gratitude and stated the ruling was a step toward restoring the agency .

Reporters Without Borders, which joined the lawsuit, hailed the case as “proof that fighting for press freedom matters” .

Voice of America, a government-funded entity, broadcasts news and information abroad, countering foreign propaganda. USAGM also oversees other broadcasters like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia.

Background and Previous Attempts to Restructure USAGM

In March 2025, then-President Trump expressed a desire to eliminate USAGM “to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.” Lake, appointed to lead VOA, initially placed the network’s workforce on administrative depart and reduced funding to other US-backed broadcasters. These actions were previously challenged in court, with judges consistently siding with the plaintiffs.

Despite Lake’s efforts, Congress recently approved a funding bill that allocated $500 million more to USAGM than Lake had requested .