Summary
A U.S. judge ruled that the shutdown of Voice of America (VOA) by the Trump administration was illegal and ordered it to reopen within a week. President Trump had ordered the closure of the broadcaster citing bias, leading to significant layoffs by the head of its overseeing agency, Kari Lake. The judge stated that Lake lacked the authority for these actions, as her position was not confirmed by the Senate.
Key Facts
- A U.S. judge labeled the closure of VOA as "illegal" and ordered it to resume operations.
- President Trump issued an executive order to shut down VOA, accusing it of bias.
- Kari Lake, appointed by Trump to lead the overseeing agency, laid off over 85% of staff.
- The judge found that Kari Lake's authority was invalid due to lack of Senate confirmation.
- VOA journalists sued the Trump administration over the job cuts.
- Before its closure, VOA broadcasted in nearly 50 languages.
- The decision to shut down VOA was part of Trump's broader criticism of U.S. media.
- The current head nominee for the overseeing agency requires Senate confirmation.
