A federal judge has obliterated Kari Lake’s bold efforts to slash bloated bureaucracy at Voice of America, handing a major setback to President Trump’s mandate to drain the swamp.
Story Snapshot
- U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth voids Kari Lake’s actions as acting USAGM CEO from July 31 to November 19, 2025, including mass layoffs at Voice of America.
- Ruling cites violations of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and Constitution’s Appointments Clause, invalidating reduction-in-force affecting hundreds of employees.
- Lake, a Trump loyalist, vows appeal against what she calls an activist judge blocking the administration’s anti-waste agenda.
- This marks the third Lamberth ruling checking executive efforts to downsize the agency amid Biden-era expansions.
- Congress boosted USAGM funding by $500 million more than requested, complicating cuts to this post-WWII soft power tool.
Judicial Ruling Undermines Agency Overhaul
On March 7, 2026, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, a Reagan appointee, granted summary judgment against Kari Lake’s tenure as acting CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media. The ruling voids all her actions from July 31 to November 19, 2025. Lake had initiated mass layoffs via reduction-in-force, limited Voice of America broadcasts to four languages, and sidelined operations. Lamberth declared her appointment violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and the Constitution’s Appointments Clause. This decision threatens to reinstate fired employees and restore prior operations, frustrating Trump’s push to eliminate bureaucratic waste.
Lake’s Actions Targeted Biden-Era Bloat
Kari Lake joined USAGM as senior adviser in March 2025 after former CEO Amanda Bennett resigned in January. President Trump announced plans to eliminate the agency “to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.” Lake stepped in as acting CEO, announcing layoffs on August 9 that affected hundreds. These moves followed Biden administration expansions, which ballooned VOA operations. Trump has long criticized VOA as unfriendly and biased, aiming to cut perceived liberal propaganda machines funded by taxpayers. Lake’s efforts aligned with broader downsizing across federal agencies.
Prior Court Battles and Ongoing Resistance
Lamberth previously halted layoffs in April and September 2025, though the April order was overturned on appeal. This latest ruling uniquely voids past actions, stating unauthorized moves “shall have no force or effect” and cannot be ratified. Plaintiffs, including VOA journalists Patsy Widakuswara, Kate Neeper, Jessica Jerreat, a federal employee union, and Reporters Without Borders, sued to protect jobs and VOA’s mission. They hail the decision as vindication. Congress recently approved $500 million more for USAGM than Lake requested, signaling resistance to full dismantling.
VOA, founded post-World War II, broadcasts in 49 languages to 420 million people worldwide, countering foreign propaganda under USAGM oversight. Lake now serves as deputy CEO, with layoffs suspended. Amid U.S.-Iran tensions, she recently promoted VOA’s Iran broadcasts despite cuts. The ruling sets a precedent for Vacancies Act enforcement, challenging executive authority on appointments in media agencies.
Appeals Ahead and Mandate Frustrations
Lake vows to appeal, labeling Lamberth an “activist judge” obstructing President Trump’s voter mandate to reduce government overreach. The decision highlights tensions in separation of powers, with judicial checks limiting agency reforms. Short-term, it invalidates 2025 layoffs, potentially reinstating workers and multilingual broadcasts. Long-term, appeals may clarify executive flexibility, but repeated rulings weaken momentum against entrenched bureaucracy. VOA veteran Kim Andrew Elliott notes reduced capacity since Biden era, questioning efficacy yet underscoring the need for targeted reforms over blanket restorations.
Trump’s administration faces pushback from courts and Congress, even as it advances priorities like border security and energy dominance. This case exemplifies deep state resistance to draining the swamp, reminding patriots that victories require persistence against unelected judges and globalist holdovers.
Sources:
US Judge Voids 2025 Actions Taken by Kari Lake as Voice of America CEO, Including Job Cuts
US court voids mass layoffs at Voice of America parent
Judge says Kari Lake unlawfully ran USAGM, voids Voice of America layoffs
