RSF and the coalition of co-plaintiffs filed alawsuit on March 23 to oppose the Trump administration’s decision to dismantleVOA. President Trumpordered the termination of federal grants for USAGM on March 14, 2025, effectively gutting the federal agency that distributes Congressionally-appropriated funding toVoice of America (VOA) and other vital public media outlets, includingRadio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) andRadio Free Asia (RFA). The next day, all*Voice of America (VOA)*personnel were abruptly placed onadministrative leave.
RSF’s work to defend journalists and the public’s right to reliable information has been gravely impaired by the elimination ofVOA as it is among the most reliable — if not the only — source of independent information in many parts of the world where RSF and its correspondents operate.
“We’re very pleased that the judge agreed to freeze any further action by the government to dismantle Voice of America. The fight to saveVOA — and, indeed, the free press — continues as the Trump administration works to deprive the world of a reliable source of information. We urge the Trump administration to unfreeze funding forVOA immediately and reinstate its employees without further delay.”
Clayton Weimers
Executive Director, RSF USA
"This is an important victory in the fight for press freedom but the war waged by the Trump administration will lead to new battles. RSF will be there every step of the way. We extend our deepest thoughts to the employees ofVoice of America — especially those in danger of losing their lives or their freedom — and to the millions who rely onVOA’s reporting. Finally, we offer our heartfelt thanks to the legal teams and are immensely grateful for the courageousVOA employees who chose to stand as co-plaintiffs alongside RSF and their unions."
Thibaut Bruttin
RSF Director General