Overview
- U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth found Kari Lake’s de facto leadership unlawful under the Vacancies Act and the Appointments Clause, voiding her actions from July 31 to Nov. 19, including an Aug. 29 reduction-in-force that cut more than 500 jobs at VOA and other USAGM outlets.
- The Justice Department told the court USAGM has no internal succession plan and said authority to seat an acting CEO depends on a presidential nomination for a permanent chief.
- Following the nomination, a DOJ filing said Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas would perform the CEO’s duties on an interim basis.
- Sarah B. Rogers, the State Department’s under secretary for public diplomacy, must be confirmed by the Senate before formally assuming the USAGM post.
- Kari Lake said she will remain deputy and plans to appeal, as questions persist over how voided layoffs and operational changes will be addressed during the confirmation and legal processes.