By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
A federal judge has issued a temporary order halting the Trump administration’s plan to lay off over 500 employees at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the parent organization of Voice of America (VOA). The decision comes amid ongoing legal challenges concerning the administration’s efforts to restructure federal agencies and reduce the workforce.
U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth’s ruling on September 29, 2025, blocks the planned layoffs scheduled for September 30. The court found that the administration may have violated a previous injunction requiring VOA to maintain its operations as a reliable and authoritative news source. Judge Lamberth criticized USAGM’s acting CEO, Kari Lake, for showing “concerning disrespect” for court directives and lacking a viable compliance plan.
The layoffs are part of a broader effort by the administration to downsize federal agencies, which has faced legal scrutiny from various unions and advocacy groups. In April, a separate injunction had already ordered VOA to continue its operations, raising questions about the legality of the recent downsizing plans.
The court’s intervention underscores the ongoing legal and political battles over the independence and mission of U.S. government-funded media. The decision temporarily halts the administration’s efforts to reduce the workforce at USAGM, pending further legal proceedings. This move is seen as a significant development in the broader context of federal workforce reductions and the balance of power between the executive branch and the judiciary.
Plaintiffs challenging the layoffs expressed relief at the judge’s ruling, viewing it as a victory for the protection of public broadcasting and the rule of law. However, the administration has indicated its intent to appeal the decision, potentially leading to further legal proceedings. The outcome of this case could have lasting implications for the future of federal agency restructuring and the protection of civil service jobs.
The federal judge’s decision to halt the mass layoffs at Voice of America represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over federal workforce reductions and the independence of government-funded media. As legal challenges continue, the balance of power between the executive branch and the judiciary remains a critical issue in shaping the future of federal employment policies.
