Trump move to cut global media hits legal wall. Court steps in. VOA journalists sue Trump, Kari Lake over shutdown of U.S. media agency

A federal judge has temporarily stopped the Trump administration’s efforts to streamline Voice of America and related networks, saying the moves may conflict with federal law.

The ruling orders the government to restore jobs and funding at outlets like Radio Free Asia and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks — despite efforts to reduce bureaucracy and refocus spending.

The judge cited legal requirements for VOA to deliver “accurate, objective, and reliable news,” and called for monthly updates to monitor compliance.

For now, Trump’s push to cut government waste at USAGM hits a legal speed bump.