Courts and Press Freedom

A federal judge ordered Voice of America journalists restored after many had been put on paid leave and the agency’s services were dramatically cut—a decision the administration is now appealing. In a separate March 23, 2026 lawsuit, four veteran VOA journalists allege Kari Lake and other USAGM officials pushed pro‑Trump propaganda and violated VOA’s editorial independence, citing contractor firings, cuts from 49 to six language services, canceled AP/Reuters contracts and a deal to carry One America News content, as well as specific instances they say show censorship and White House talking points driving coverage; USAGM defends aligning taxpayer‑funded broadcasts with U.S. policy and Lake has argued the traditional editorial firewall should be removed.