USA: RSF and VOA coalition secure first court victory against the Trump administration
On March 28, District Judge J. Paul Oetken granted the motion for a temporary restraining order in a case brought by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) together with a coalition of Voice of America (VOA) employees and their unions to stop the Trump administration from dismantling the public service broadcaster. RSF is encouraged by this outcome, stands ready to proceed with the case on its merits and calls on the government to immediately unfreeze funding for VOA and reinstate its employees.
RSF and the coalition of co-plaintiffs filed a lawsuit on March 23 to oppose the Trump administration’s decision to dismantle VOA. President Trump ordered the termination of federal grants for USAGM on March 14, 2025, effectively gutting the federal agency that distributes Congressionally-appropriated funding to Voice of America (VOA) and other vital public media outlets, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Radio Free Asia (RFA). The next day, all Voice of America (VOA) personnel were abruptly placed on administrative leave.
RSF’s work to defend journalists and the public’s right to reliable information has been gravely impaired by the elimination of VOA as it is among the most reliable — if not the only — source of independent information in many parts of the world where RSF and its correspondents operate.
“We’re very pleased that the judge agreed to freeze any further action by the government to dismantle Voice of America. The fight to save VOA — and, indeed, the free press — continues as the Trump administration works to deprive the world of a reliable source of information. We urge the Trump administration to unfreeze funding for VOA immediately and reinstate its employees without further delay.”
Clayton Weimers
Executive Director, RSF USA
"This is an important victory in the fight for press freedom but the war waged by the Trump administration will lead to new battles. RSF will be there every step of the way. We extend our deepest thoughts to the employees of Voice of America — especially those in danger of losing their lives or their freedom — and to the millions who rely on VOA’s reporting. Finally, we offer our heartfelt thanks to the legal teams and are immensely grateful for the courageous VOA employees who chose to stand as co-plaintiffs alongside RSF and their unions."
Thibaut Bruttin
RSF Director General
