Summary
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has temporarily stopped the Trump administration's plan to cut over 500 jobs at the U.S. Agency for Global Media. This decision keeps the agency's staffing levels until further court review. The cuts were initially set to follow a 2025 executive order but face legal challenges over the agency's mission and legal obligations.
Key Facts
- Judge Royce Lamberth issued a temporary block on the planned job cuts at the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
- The Trump administration aimed to eliminate 532 full-time positions as part of a reduction in force order.
- The job cuts were planned to take effect in late August 2025.
- Kari Lake, appointed by Trump, was acting as CEO of the agency during these events.
- The court ruling maintains current staffing until a decision on a permanent block is made.
- The agency oversees Voice of America and other networks, and the cuts could halt their broadcasts.
- Court challenges argue that these cuts undermine the agency's mission and legal requirements.
- The judge criticized the defendants for not respecting the court's earlier orders.
