In her role as a special adviser to former President Trump, Kari Lake has been involved in efforts to dismantle government-funded international broadcasting networks. However, federal judges have recently issued restraining orders preventing her from taking further action against organizations like Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).
Kari Lake, alongside the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), is facing multiple federal court cases. This week, two significant court decisions have impacted Lake’s initiatives. On Friday, U.S. Judge J. Paul Oetken in Manhattan issued a temporary restraining order against Lake, the USAGM, and its acting chief, Victor Morales. This order prevents them from proceeding with actions to shut down Voice of America, which has already suspended its full-time workforce and terminated contract staff, ending operations two weeks prior.
Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., another federal judge paused Lake’s attempts to defund RFE/RL. Following this, the USAGM initiated steps to reinstate funding for the affected networks, but the future remains uncertain. As Lake transitioned from a local TV news anchor and political candidate in Arizona to a senior adviser, she has been vocal against alleged liberal bias within the networks she aims to reform. Her recent statements suggest a desire to align these networks with Trump administration priorities and improve their efficiency.
President Trump had previously ordered the agency responsible for these broadcasters to be trimmed to the minimum required by law, leading to lawsuits from journalists, strategic directors, unions, and advocacy groups. Both Democratic and some Republican members of Congress support the significance of these international broadcasters.
Judges in the cases found merit in the plaintiffs’ claims of legal violations by Lake and the agency, including First Amendment concerns. Judge Oetken and Judge Royce C. Lamberth both issued restraining orders against Lake and the USAGM’s moves to cut funding, stressing Congress’s authority to allocate funds specifically for these networks.
The abrupt cuts have led to significant operational impacts for associated networks such as Radio Free Asia, which furloughed a significant portion of its workforce. Employees faced the possibility of returning to their home countries, some of which have hostile governments.
The networks, backed by federal funding, reach millions globally, promoting American principles of political debate and accountability. Lake’s nomination as a potential director for Voice of America met obstacles as the appointed position requires approval from a now-dismantled oversight board.
The situation remains fluid, with temporary legal reprieves offering no long-term guarantees. Network executives expect Lake to advocate for funding cuts in future budget proposals, despite Congress’s recent support. Lake’s communications hint at potential workforce reductions, as she advised employees to consider voluntary buyouts, indicating possible impending layoffs.
