Judge Voids Kari Lake Actions at Voice of America, Citing Legal Authority Concerns
A federal judge has ruled that Kari Lake, appointed by former President Donald Trump to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), did not have the legal authority to capture actions that largely dismantled Voice of America (VOA). The decision, handed down on Saturday, March 8, 2026, invalidates a series of staff cuts and operational changes implemented by Lake during her tenure.
Background on the Ruling
U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth determined that Lake did not meet the requirements of either the Appointments Clause or the Vacancies Act, rendering her actions as acting CEO null and void. The ruling effectively reverses changes made between July 31, 2025, and November 19, 2025, when Lake transitioned to a senior advisor role at USAGM. This includes the layoffs of hundreds of employees at Voice of America and other USAGM departments. NBC News reports that the judge rejected the administration’s argument that Lake could wield CEO authority through a delegation from previous acting CEO Victor Morales.
Voice of America’s Current State
Voice of America, established in 1942, currently broadcasts news in 49 languages to an estimated 354 million people weekly. AP News notes that the network is now operating with a significantly reduced staff, broadcasting in only a handful of languages after Lake terminated contracts and laid off most of its employees.
Reactions to the Decision
Kari Lake expressed her disagreement with the ruling, calling it “bogus” and stating her intention to appeal. She argued that the decision hinders efforts to cut bureaucracy and restore accountability within the government. NPR quoted Lake as saying, “An activist judge is trying to stand in the way of those efforts at USAGM.”
Plaintiffs in the case – Patsy Widakuswara, Voice of America’s White House bureau chief, and colleagues Kate Neeper and Jessica Jerreat – celebrated the ruling as a victory for press freedom and a step towards restoring the integrity of the organization. They expressed gratitude and hope for the future of VOA.
Reporters Without Borders also welcomed the decision, affirming their belief that the administration acted unlawfully. Clayton Weimers, executive director of the organization’s North American branch, emphasized the require to ensure VOA journalists can return to work. CNN reported on this reaction.
Lake’s Political Background
Kari Lake is a staunch supporter of former President Trump. She previously ran unsuccessful campaigns for Arizona governor in 2022 and U.S. Senate in 2024. Mr. Trump initially considered her for the director position at Voice of America before attempting to install her as CEO.
Looking Ahead
The legal battle is far from over, as Lake intends to appeal the judge’s decision. The future of Voice of America and the extent to which its operations can be restored remain uncertain. This case underscores the importance of safeguarding the independence of government-funded media and ensuring adherence to legal requirements for appointments and agency leadership.