Judge blocks Kari Lake from firing Voice of America director in constitutional showdown
Constitutional limits on executive control of independent media agencies
A federal judge blocked Kari Lake from firing Voice of America Director Michael Abramowitz, ruling she needs congressional board approval—except Trump already dissolved that board. Since taking over in February, Lake has gutted VOA from 1,300 employees down to just 72 and eliminated 45 of 49 language services. She's destroying America's primary international broadcasting platform just as global authoritarianism is rising.
Why this matters
<ul> <li><strong>⚖️ Constitutional checks work when judges enforce congressional intent over executive power grabs</strong>: Judge Lamberth's ruling proves separation of powers still functions, exposing Trump's rookie mistake of dissolving the oversight board while forgetting they needed that same board's approval to fire the director—a constitutional framework designed specifically to prevent this kind of political weaponization.</li> <li><strong>🌍 America loses global information war while authoritarian regimes celebrate media destruction</strong>: VOA broadcasts to 280 million people in countries without independent media, making Lake's elimination a strategic gift to China and Russia who immediately fill the vacuum with state propaganda—America's soft power crumbles while enemies advance their narratives unchallenged.</li> <li><strong>💰 $180 million budget cuts disguise ideological control as fiscal responsibility</strong>: Lake terminated broadcasting to 45 countries while striking deals to carry One America News Network content on government platforms—turning taxpayer-funded international media into Trump TV that serves partisan politics rather than American interests abroad.</li> <li><strong>📞 Contact House Foreign Affairs Committee at 202-225-5021 demanding congressional oversight of media destruction</strong>: Lake's systematic dismantling of America's international voice requires immediate congressional intervention to restore broadcasting capabilities and protect democratic credibility worldwide before permanent damage occurs.</li> </ul>
Core Facts
Judge Royce Lamberth blocked Kari Lake from firing Voice of America director Michael Abramowitz on August 28—scheduled termination was August 31. Lake needs advisory board approval, but Trump fired all six members.
Trump eliminated the International Broadcasting Advisory Board in January, leaving only Marco Rubio. No majority vote possible, no legal firing. Lake tried anyway until Lamberth stopped her.
Lake placed VOAs entire 1,300-person workforce on paid leave and slashed programming from 49 languages to 4. Fewer than 10% of journalists remain on the job while $200 million flows to right-wing outlets.
Lamberth accused Lake of "verging on contempt of court" August 26 for hiding information about her VOA demolition plans. Reagan appointee judge versus Trump appointee bureaucrat—guess who won.
Abramowitz rejected reassignment July 8 to run a North Carolina shortwave facility with "a handful of employees." Senior Adviser John Zadrozny fired him August 1 for refusing the demotion.
Congress allocated hundreds of millions for VOA operations including Korean language programming. Government attorney Michael Velchik contested the requirement without explaining why—because there is no legal basis.
Lake told House Foreign Affairs in June shes "working to eliminate the agency." After losing in court, she called Lamberth "activist and out of control" for enforcing the law.
Justice Department claimed vast presidential Article II powers, arguing Lake followed Trump March executive order. Constitutional law meets political hackery—law wins this round.
Key Actors
Royce Lamberth
U.S. District Judge
Reagan appointee who blocked Lake from firing VOA director, ruled she lacks authority without advisory board approval, accused her of contempt for withholding information
Kari Lake
Acting CEO of U.S. Agency for Global Media
Trump appointee attempting to dismantle VOA by firing director, cutting 90% of workforce, eliminating most foreign language programming
Michael Abramowitz
Voice of America Director
Former Washington Post reporter who sued Trump administration, rejected illegal North Carolina reassignment, defended VOA independent journalism
Donald Trump
President of the United States
Fired all advisory board members in January, issued March executive order to gut VOA, backed Lake dismantling efforts as media control strategy
Marco Rubio
Secretary of State
Only remaining member of seven-person advisory board after Trump fired six others, preventing majority vote legally required to remove VOA director
Michael Velchik
Justice Department Attorney
Argued for expanded presidential Article II powers allowing Lake actions, contested congressional Korean programming requirements without legal basis
Actionable Insights
Contact House Foreign Affairs Committee at 202-225-5626 demanding investigation of Lake violating congressional mandates and misusing VOA funds for partisan purposes
Support press freedom through Committee to Protect Journalists at cpj.org defending independent journalism against government censorship and authoritarian media control
File GAO complaints at gao.gov reporting Lake illegal use of taxpayer funds for right-wing media partnerships violating congressional funding requirements
Join Reporters Committee for Freedom of Press at rcfp.org supporting legal challenges to government dismantling independent journalism and international broadcasting
Contact Senate Foreign Relations at 202-224-4651 urging oversight hearings on advisory board vacancy crisis and restoration of proper governance structure
Support International Broadcasting whistleblowers through Government Accountability Project at whistleblower.org protecting employees exposing illegal institutional dismantling
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