Overview
- U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth ordered the U.S. Agency for Global Media to return 1,042 Voice of America employees from paid leave by March 23.
- The agency must submit a plan within a week to restart international broadcasts after a year in which VOA largely fell silent.
- Lamberth vacated the downsizing steps taken under Kari Lake, finding mandatory broadcasting was unlawfully withheld and prior actions lacked lawful authority.
- The ruling concludes the wind‑down violated the Administrative Procedure Act, while personal‑service contractors were directed to seek remedies in the Court of Federal Claims.
- The administration has indicated it will appeal and has nominated Sarah Rogers to lead USAGM, leaving practical restoration details subject to further developments.