Washington, DC—On April 22, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted a preliminary injunction stating the Trump administration unlawfully shuttered the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
The decision enshrines that USAGM must fulfill its legally required functions and protects the editorial independence of Voice of America (VOA) journalists and other federal media professionals within the agency and newsrooms that receive grants from the agency, such as Radio Free Asia and others. USAGM workers can continue to fulfill their congressionally mandated function.
“This ruling is a victory for the rule of law, for press freedom and journalistic integrity, and for democracy worldwide,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley. “The Trump administration’s illegal attempt to shutter Voice of America and other outlets under the U.S. Agency for Global Media was a transparent effort to silence the voices of patriotic journalists and professionals who have dedicated their careers to spreading the truth and fighting propaganda from lawless authoritarian regimes. This preliminary injunction will allow these employees to get back to work as we continue the fight to preserve their jobs and critical mission.”
“Today’s ruling is a major win for AFSCME members and Voice of America workers who have dedicated their careers to reporting the truth and spreading freedom to millions across the world. The judge’s message is clear – this administration has no right to unilaterally dismantle essential agencies simply because they do not agree with their purpose,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “We celebrate this decision and will continue to work with our partners to ensure that the Voice of America is restored.”
While only the beginning of what may be a long, hard-fought battle, the court’s decision to grant a preliminary injunction marks a critical victory—not just for VOA journalists, but also for federal workers and the unions that represent them. It affirms that the rule of law still protects those who speak truth to power.
