Justice Department Confirms Phased Return of VOA Employees
Voice of America (VOA), the U.S.-funded international news broadcaster, is scheduled to resume broadcasting next week after a nearly two-month interruption triggered by an executive order from the Trump administration in March 2025. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed the phased return of over 1,400 VOA staff and contractors in a recent email notification. This move comes after a contentious legal battle and significant advocacy from media watchdogs, including Reporters Without Borders.
In their communication, the DOJ stated clearly that logistical arrangements, such as security protocols, space organization, and equipment management, will guide the phased return of staff. As of early May, the agency’s Chief Information Officer staff had already reactivated the accounts of all affected employees, enabling them to resume essential journalistic activities. This strategic return is aimed at ensuring seamless restoration of programming to the broadcaster’s global audience.
A D.C. Circuit panel’s ruling played a crucial role in reinstating VOA’s broadcasting capabilities. Although this decision partly paused aspects of the lower court’s broader mandate, it maintained provisions ensuring VOA staff could re-access necessary resources and infrastructure.
“This marks a significant victory for those advocating for media freedom and the continued importance of independent journalism in global communication,” a Reporters Without Borders spokesperson stated following the DOJ’s announcement.
Legal Battles and Advocacy Efforts Lead to VOA’s Restoration
The legal saga involving Voice of America began when former President Donald Trump issued an executive order severely curtailing funding and operational access to the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), VOA’s overseeing body. Trump publicly labeled VOA as “the voice of radical America,” alleging bias against his administration. This move prompted immediate backlash, sparking legal challenges by media advocacy organizations and VOA employees who saw Trump’s actions as overreaching executive powers and breaking precedent.
On April 22, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth, an appointee of former President Ronald Reagan, initially ruled against the Trump administration’s executive order. Judge Lamberth described the president’s action as likely “arbitrary and exceeding presidential authority.” This order mandated an immediate reinstatement of employees and system access, though the Trump administration swiftly sought an appeal.
The appeal, reviewed by a three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit Court, partially paused Lamberth’s original directive but notably left intact the critical elements mandating restoration of operations and system access at VOA. Notably, two of the judges involved in this decision were Trump appointees, reflecting the politically charged nature of the legal proceedings.
“Removing these broadcasting mechanisms significantly undermines the U.S.’ ability to promote factual reporting and democracy abroad,” remarked Cornelia Pillard, the dissenting judge on the appellate panel, who criticized the partial stay as potentially causing “the silencing of Voice of America for the foreseeable future.”
Despite the partial pause, the core elements of Judge Lamberth’s order remain enforceable, enabling VOA’s return to broadcasting and staffing operations.
Historical Context and Implications for Global Public Diplomacy
Established in 1942, Voice of America has historically served as a crucial component of U.S. public diplomacy efforts, broadcasting in multiple languages to audiences in regions experiencing authoritarian control or limited press freedom. VOA’s role became particularly significant during the Cold War era, offering an alternative source of information to populations behind the Iron Curtain, fostering democratic principles and promoting human rights.
The recent disruption, unprecedented in VOA’s history, temporarily halted its mission of providing reliable news and information to global audiences. The timing of the broadcaster’s reactivation notably coincides with World Press Freedom Day on May 3, a point highlighted by advocacy groups. This event underscores the ongoing global struggle facing press freedom, with VOA traditionally playing an influential role in empowering journalists and promoting independent reporting.
The controversy surrounding the executive order against VOA has renewed discussions about the autonomy of federally funded media operations. Moreover, it has sparked debates about executive authority limits and underscored the judiciary’s role in maintaining checks and balances within U.S. government structures.
As VOA prepares to resume broadcasts, uncertainty remains regarding the broadcaster’s full recovery and its long-term operational stability. Reporters Without Borders and VOA employees remain vigilant, cautioning that similar disruptions could adversely affect international perceptions of U.S. commitment to media freedom. With 360 million listeners worldwide depending on its unbiased news coverage, the stability and continuity of VOA operations carry significant implications for global media landscapes.
“Ensuring a free flow of information is critical,” said Steve Herman, VOA’s chief national correspondent, questioning whether VOA will be able to “regain its full operational consciousness.”
As VOA staff slowly transition back to their roles next week, their global audience, advocates for press freedom, and policymakers alike will closely monitor the broadcaster’s recovery and the broader implications for media independence in public diplomacy efforts.