"Voice of America" employees sue the Trump administration

Employees, journalists and trade unions of the "Voice of America" filed a lawsuit against the Donald Trump administration in New York. They stated that the closure of news agencies funded by the United States of America violates their right to journalistic freedom, guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution. This is reported by RSF, reports UNN.

Details

It is noted that after President Donald Trump's executive order to liquidate the Voice of America (VOA) agency, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) joined VOA employees and their trade unions in filing a lawsuit against the United States Agency for Global Media. Reporters Without Borders demands an immediate cessation of the liquidation of VOA and the reinstatement of its employees.

RSF stated that the liquidation of VOA seriously undermines its efforts to protect journalists and the public's right to reliable information.

Authoritarian regimes such as the Kremlin and the Chinese Communist Party are happily welcoming the destruction of the "Voice of America". It is obvious that this step by Donald Trump will only encourage even harsher repressions against journalists and freedom of the press. This threatens not only VOA employees, but also journalists, correspondents, volunteers and RSF supporters around the world. We are forced to act to protect VOA and the wider community that fights for freedom of the press

As RSF writes, VOA was created in 1942 to counter Nazi propaganda by providing accurate information. Although the agency is funded by the US government, according to the US Broadcasting Act of 1994, it is editorially independent. It is the largest and oldest international broadcaster in the United States, producing digital, television and radio content in 47 languages.

The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York (federal court). RSF's interests in this case are represented free of charge by the States Democracy Defense Fund, a non-profit organization that brings together a non-partisan team to protect the foundations of democracy at the national, state and local levels.

It is also noted that according to the RSF 2024 World Press Freedom Index, the United States ranked 55th among 180 countries and territories, losing 10 positions compared to 2023.

Recall

Donald Trump signed an order to reduce funding for federal agencies, including the Agency for Global Media. 

The Trump administration criticized "Voice of America" for violating standards, evading responsibility and publishing critical comments by reporters about Trump on social networks.

Trump administration has begun mass layoffs at Voice of America17.03.25, 07:33 • 13574 views