Notes to staff

Plaintiffs ask judge to rule agency actions were arbitrary and capricious

By Michael Abramowitz, VOA Director

November 17, 2025

Dear VOA colleagues,

I want to let you know that lawyers for both sets of plaintiffs in the VOA case filed a motion for summary judgment in our lawsuits seeking the restoration of Voice of America. We are asking Judge Lamberth to find that USAGM actions taken to reduce VOA to its “statutory minimum” were arbitrary and capricious, a violation of law, and should be set aside. We are asking Judge Lamberth to reinstate full-time federal workers and contractors, rescind RIF notices and ensure that VOA be restored to the network that existed before March 14.

While it will take some time for litigation to unfold, the motion is an important inflection point in our long legal struggle to restore Voice of America. The cases have followed a long and twisting road in the federal courts, but I am hopeful that today’s motion may pave the way, finally, to a robust resumption of VOA’s important work, as mandated by Congress. I am also heartened by my belief that many members of Congress, in both parties, are deeply aware of our vital mission and do not intend to allow Voice of America to be silenced forever.

Most of all, I am keenly aware that many of you have had a very challenging period over the past eight months, especially those contractors and others who lost their jobs as a result of the government’s actions. You are always in my thoughts and have my greatest respect; I very much hope our efforts will ultimately make a difference in your lives while contributing to the national security of the United States.

Sincerely,

Mike