WASHINGTON, D.C.: Kari Lake, President Donald Trump's choice to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media, did not have legal authority to largely dismantle the Voice of America, a federal judge said in his ruling over the weekend.
What effect the decision will have on VOA operations was not immediately known.
Lake rubbished the decision by U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth and said she would appeal.
Voice of America, which has transmitted news around the world since its formation during World War II, operates with a skeleton staff after Lake laid off most of its employees.
Donald Trump had selected Kari Lake to head the agency that oversees Voice of America and other broadcasters such as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. However, she has not been confirmed by the Senate for the position, and Royce C. Lamberth said she did not have the legal authority to act in that role under laws designed to prevent unqualified government appointments.
"Only the Appointments Clause or the Vacancies Act's exclusive structure may authorize service as a principal officer, and Lake satisfies the requirements of neither the statute nor the Constitution," Lamberth wrote.
Lamberth issued the ruling in response to a lawsuit filed by Patsy Widakuswara, the White House bureau chief for Voice of America, along with colleagues Kate Neeper and Jessica Jerreat. They were among the staff members laid off by Lake and have been challenging those actions.
"We feel vindicated and deeply grateful," the journalists said in a statement. They added that the ruling against Lake "is a powerful step toward undoing the damage she has inflicted on this American institution that we love."
The journalists said they are still assessing what the decision means for colleagues whose careers remain uncertain. Supporters of Voice of America often describe it as an example of the United States' "soft power," providing independent news coverage to countries where governments tightly control information.
Lake has argued that the government-funded news outlets are wasteful and should instead promote the administration's views.
The media watchdog Reporters Without Borders said Lamberth's decision confirmed its belief that the administration had acted unlawfully in dismantling Voice of America. Still, more steps are needed to ensure VOA journalists can return to their work, said Clayton Weimers.
"This case is proof that fighting for press freedom matters," Weimers said.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Lake said she strongly disagreed with the ruling.
"An activist judge is trying to stand in the way of those efforts at USAGM. Judge Lamberth has a pattern of activist rulings — and this case is no different."
