Judge Issues Another Temporary Block

A federal judge just dealt a temporary blow to President Trump’s push to overhaul government-funded media, issuing a ruling that could delay long-overdue reforms to the troubled Voice of America (VOA) network.

The ruling comes as over 1,200 VOA employees, including reporters and staff, were placed on paid leave earlier this month. The plan? Streamline the bloated agency, cut waste, and bring balance back to a media outlet long accused of mainstream media bias and anti-American messaging.

On Friday, U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken stepped in with a temporary restraining order that paused the Trump administration’s planned overhaul of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), effectively putting a hold on efforts to cut funding or reorganize Voice of America—for the time being.

Judge Claims Trump Team Didn’t “Justify” Action — But Conservatives Disagree

In a 22-page decision, Judge Oetken argued that the administration did not offer sufficient justification for its actions and likely ran afoul of federal law. His order also shields Radio Free Europe, Radio Free Asia, and the Open Technology Fund from any immediate loss of funding.

Conservatives, however, say the judge’s action reflects the deep-state resistance that President Trump has faced in his fight to return honesty and transparency to taxpayer-funded news organizations.

“The American people are done funding propaganda. It’s time for reform,” said a senior Trump aide.

Kari Lake Steps In to Lead Reform

Taking charge of the overhaul is Kari Lake, Trump-endorsed firebrand and former Arizona gubernatorial candidate. Appointed as a senior adviser to the network, Lake has vowed to restore VOA’s mission and eliminate leftist spin.

“We’re going to modernize it, make it more efficient, and ensure it supports our national interests—not works against them,” Lake posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Lake has been a vocal critic of media corruption and says VOA has strayed far from its original purpose of spreading American values to the world.

Left-Wing Unions and Globalist Groups Push Back

The lawsuit, backed by unions, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and a handful of VOA employees, alleges that the changes violate labor and administrative laws. These groups are demanding a full reinstatement of VOA operations.

Critics of the lawsuit argue it’s just another example of liberal media elites protecting their power at taxpayers’ expense.

“Voluntary Resignation” Program Raises Eyebrows

Just hours before the judge’s decision, VOA sent employees an internal email titled “Fork in the Road.” The message offered workers a chance to voluntarily exit federal service through a Deferred Resignation Program (DRP)—while still receiving full salary and benefits until September 30, 2025.

Employees were told to reply with “Resign – [Full Legal Name]” in the subject line if they wished to participate.

Some see the DRP as a generous exit plan. Others call it a quiet purge of entrenched bureaucrats standing in the way of much-needed reform.

What’s Next for Voice of America?

While the legal fight continues, one thing is clear: the battle over who controls America’s voice abroad is far from over. President Trump and his allies have made it clear—they want an international broadcaster that reflects American values, not globalist agendas.

This ruling may be a delay, but it’s not the end.

💬 What do you think? Should Voice of America be reformed—or shut down altogether?