Federal Judge Halts USAGM Job Cuts, Preserving Global Reach
A federal judge has temporarily blocked job cuts at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), preserving the status quo until he rules on a plaintiffs' motion. The agency, which houses several international networks reaching 427 million people worldwide, was set to eliminate 532 jobs this week.
The judge's decision comes after the agency's chief, Kari Lake, appointed by President Donald Trump, announced plans to reduce staff. Lake claimed the cuts would improve the agency's ability to function, but plaintiffs argue they would instead leave programming at deficient levels. The agency was placed on administrative leave in March after Trump signed an executive order calling for staff reductions.
The judge accused the Trump administration of disrespecting the court, citing earlier orders regarding Voice of America (VOA). Plaintiffs' attorney Georgina Yeomans expressed concern about who is making key decisions at the agency.
The judge's ruling halts the planned layoffs until he decides on the plaintiffs' motion. Congress has appropriated $875 million for the agency in fiscal year 2025, with $260 million earmarked for Voice of America. The agency's future remains uncertain as the legal battle continues.
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