Judge Orders VOA to Reinstate 1,042 Employees by March 23

A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that more than 1,000 Voice of America employees must return to work, directly challenging recent federal layoffs and restoring jobs for broadcasters who deliver news to millions worldwide. This decision affects workers' livelihoods by ending their year-long paid administrative leave, potentially stabilizing income for families reliant on these roles. Judge Royce Lamberth specified that 1,042 employees at Voice of America need reinstatement by March 23, forcing the US Agency for Global Media to act quickly and submit a plan to resume broadcasts.

Judge Royce Lamberth declared in two rulings that attempts to shut down the US Agency for Global Media are illegal, directly countering actions from its former leadership. Lamberth wrote that defendants offered no principled basis for their decisions, highlighting the unlawfulness of mass layoffs tied to those orders. This ruling builds on Lamberth's earlier decision from 10 days ago, which found that former director Kari Lake's leadership was invalid.

Michael Abramowitz, VOA director, stated in response to the ruling that "Voice of America has never been more needed," emphasizing the network's role in global information. Plaintiffs Patsy Widakuswara, Jessica Jerreat, and Kate Neeper described the decision as a "monumental" step in a statement, noting their eagerness to repair damage from past disruptions. Widakuswara, as White House bureau chief, added that the team aims to rebuild trust with audiences they have not served for a year.

Kari Lake oversaw the US Agency for Global Media from 31 July to 19 November 2025, during which she laid off more than 1,000 employees as part of efforts to shrink the agency. Lake's actions followed instructions to reduce operations, leading to the current legal backlash. In a statement on Twitter, Lake announced plans to appeal Lamberth's ruling, potentially prolonging uncertainty for agency staff.

Voice of America employees have been on paid leave for a full year, halting operations that once reached 362 million people in 49 languages. Lamberth's order requires the agency to create a plan for returning VOA to the air, directly impacting its ability to provide news in regions with limited press options. The agency, which funds broadcasters like Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia, must now address these gaps to fulfill its mandate.

Workers at Voice of America now face a clear path back to their positions, offering immediate relief from job insecurity that has affected their daily lives. This development could restore editorial independence at the network, ensuring continued access to reliable information for global audiences who depend on it. As the agency prepares its reinstatement plan, employees like Widakuswara expressed hope that support from the public will help rebuild operations and prevent future interference.