A federal judge has suspended the Donald Trump administration's attempts to liquidate the Voice of America. This is reported by The New York Times, reports UNN.
Details
It is noted that Judge Jay Paul Etken of the US District Court in Manhattan issued the ruling during a hearing on a lawsuit filed by Voice of America journalists and their unions.
The lawsuit alleges that the administration's actions, including sending hundreds of the organization's journalists on paid leave, violate the journalists' rights under the First Amendment to the Constitution. The temporary injunction is valid for 21 days.
A separate lawsuit filed by Voice of America Director Michael Abramowitz is also pending in court.
This is a resounding victory for freedom of the press and the First Amendment, and a sharp rebuke to an administration that has shown utter disregard for the principles that define our democracy.
Founded in 1942, Voice of America is considered a key component of American "soft power" aimed at promoting democracy abroad.
Recall
Donald Trump signed an order to cut funding to federal agencies, including the Global Media Agency. This will affect Voice of America, Radio Liberty and other organizations.
The Ukrainian Service of the Voice of America has temporarily suspended its work, and employees have been sent on leave. The decision was made against the backdrop of cuts in funding for US media organizations.
After the suspension of funding for the Voice of America, the White House issued a number of comments on the publication's work. The Donald Trump administration said that taxpayers would no longer be "on the hook for radical propaganda."
The Ukrainian Service of the Voice of America is terminating cooperation with its employees working under personal contracts. The contracts will be officially terminated on March 31, 2025.
Employees, journalists and trade unions of the Voice of America have sued the Trump administration over the closure of US government-funded news agencies. They believe this violates their right to journalistic freedom.
Trump administration has begun mass layoffs at Voice of America17.03.25, 07:33