FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2025
April 22, 2025
Victory for Press Freedom and Workers: Court Grants Preliminary Injunction to Protect the U.S. Agency for Global Media
WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted a preliminary injunction in Widakuswara v. Lake, affirming the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) was unlawfully shuttered by the administration, Acting Director Victor Morales and Special Adviser Kari Lake. The decision enshrines that USAGM must fulfill its legally required functions and protects the editorial independence of Voice of America (VOA) journalists and other federal media professionals within the agency and newsrooms that receive grants from the agency, such as Radio Free Asia and others.
Journalists, federal workers, and unions celebrate this important step in defending this critical agency, First Amendment rights, resisting unlawful political interference in public broadcasting, and ensuring USAGM workers can continue to fulfill their congressionally mandated function.
“Today’s ruling is a victory for the rule of law, for press freedom and journalistic integrity, and for democracy worldwide,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley. “The Trump administration’s illegal attempt to shutter Voice of America and other outlets under the U.S. Agency for Global Media was a transparent effort to silence the voices of patriotic journalists and professionals who have dedicated their careers to spreading the truth and fighting propaganda from lawless authoritarian regimes. This preliminary injunction will allow these employees to get back to work as we continue the fight to preserve their jobs and critical mission.”
“Today’s ruling is a major win for AFSCME members and Voice of America workers who have dedicated their careers to reporting the truth and spreading freedom to millions across the world. The judge’s message is clear – this administration has no right to unilaterally dismantle essential agencies simply because they do not agree with their purpose," said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. "We celebrate this decision and will continue to work with our partners to ensure that the Voice of America is restored."
“Journalists hold power to account and that includes the Trump administration,” said NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss. “This injunction orders the administration to reverse course and restore the Congressionally-mandated news broadcasts of Radio Free Asia, Voice of America and other newsrooms broadcasting to people who hope for freedom in countries where that is denied.”
“We are gratified by today’s ruling. This is another step in the process to restore VOA to full operation.” said Government Accountability Project Senior Counsel David Seide.
“Today’s ruling marks a significant victory for press freedom and for the dedicated women and men who bring it to life—our clients, the journalists, executives, and staff of Voice of America,” said Andrew G. Celli, Jr., Founding Partner at Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP and counsel for the plaintiffs. “VOA is more than just an iconic brand with deep roots in American and global history; it is a vital, living force that provides truth and hope to those living under oppressive regimes. We are thrilled that its voice—a voice for the voiceless—will once again be heard loud and clear around the world.”
“This decision is a powerful affirmation of the rule of law and the vital role that independent journalism plays in our democracy. The court’s action protects independent journalism and federal media professionals at Voice of America as we continue this case, and reaffirms that no administration can silence the truth without accountability,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, co-counsel for the plaintiffs. “We are proud to be with workers, unions and journalists in resisting political interference against independent journalism and will continue to fight for transparency and our democratic values.”
“Today’s decision is another necessary step in restoring the rule of law and correcting the injustices faced by the workers, reporters, and listeners of Voice of America and US Agency for Global Media,” said Amb. Norm Eisen (ret.), co-founder and executive chair of the State Democracy Defenders Fund. “By granting this preliminary injunction, the court has reaffirmed the legal protections afforded to these civil servants and halted an attempt to undermine a free and independent press. We are proud to represent this resilient coalition and support the cause of a free and fair press.”
“This decision is a powerful affirmation of the role that independent journalism plays in advancing democracy and countering disinformation. From Voice of America to Radio Free Asia and across the U.S. Agency for Global Media, these networks are essential tools of American soft power—trusted sources of truth in places where it is often scarce,” said Tom Yazdgerdi, president of the American Foreign Service Association. “By upholding editorial independence, the court has protected the credibility of USAGM journalists and the global mission they serve.”
"We're very pleased that Judge Lamberth has recognized that the Trump administration acted improperly in shuttering Voice of America,” said Clayton Weimers, Executive Director of RSF USA. “The USAGM must act immediately to implement this ruling and put over 1,300 VOA employees back to work to deliver reliable information to their audience of millions around the world."
While only the beginning of what may be a long, hard-fought battle, the court’s decision to grant a preliminary injunction marks a critical victory—not just for VOA journalists, but also for federal workers and the unions that represent them. It affirms that the rule of law still protects those who speak truth to power.
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The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing more than 820,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia. For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees’ (AFSCME) 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families.
The NewsGuild-CWA fights for justice on the job for journalists and other workers. It is the largest union of journalists and media workers in North America. Approximately 7,500 of the Guild’s 27,000 members have joined since 2018 at more than 140 newly unionized publications.
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), established in 1924, is both professional association and exclusive representative for the U.S. Foreign Service. AFSA’s more than 18,000 members include active-duty and retired members of the Foreign Service at the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Foreign Commercial Service, the Foreign Agricultural Service, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is an international non-profit organisation governed by principles of democratic governance. They defend the right of every human being to have access to free and reliable information. This right is essential to know, understand, form an opinion and take action on vital issues in full awareness, both individually and collectively.
Government Accountability Project promotes corporate and government accountability by protecting whistleblowers, advancing occupational free speech, and empowering citizen activists. We educate the public about the importance of whistleblowing and lead campaigns to enact whistleblower protection laws both domestically and internationally. We are a nonpartisan nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP is a nationally-recognized litigation boutique that focuses on civil rights, commercial, criminal, and ethics matters.
Democracy Forward is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education, and regulatory engagement.
State Democracy Defenders Fund brings together a nonpartisan team to work with national, state and local allies across the country to defend in real-time the foundations of our democracy.
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For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center.
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