VOA journalists sue Trump administration over media shutdown

Journalists from Voice of America (VOA) and their unions have filed a lawsuit against US President Donald Trump’s administration, claiming that the closure of US-funded news organizations violates the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech.

Last Saturday, Victor Morales, the acting CEO of the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), and special advisor Kari Lake placed over 1,300 employees on forced leave. Additionally, funding was cut for several media organizations, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which operate under USAGM oversight.

According to Reuters, the lawsuit, filed in a New York federal court on Friday, argues that these actions violate the First Amendment and laws passed by Congress to authorize and fund Voice of America.

The shutdown of these media organizations is part of a broader campaign led by Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk to downsize the federal government. They argue that taxpayer money is being spent on initiatives that do not align with US interests.