Notes to staff

VOA director calls judge’s ruling pausing layoffs an ‘important step’

September 30, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

I am deeply gratified that Judge Lamberth has halted the reduction in force that was supposed to go into effect this week for most of the remaining federal workers at Voice of America. I know many of you are personally relieved for now. The prospect of losing your job is always deeply upsetting, the more so given the special mission you have pursued at VOA.

In his ruling Monday, Judge Lamberth made very clear his view that the government is continuing to violate his order that the government must “restore VOA programming such that USAGM fulfills its statutory mandate that VOA ‘serve as a consistently reliable and authoritative source of news.’”

The judge added that the Court “no longer harbors any doubt that defendants lack a plan to comply with the preliminary injunction and instead have been running out the clock on the fiscal year while remaining in violation of even the most meager reading of USAGM and Voice of America’s statutory obligations.”

Judge Lamberth’s ruling is an important step. Most of us remain on administrative leave; it is vital that we all get back to work, furthering the VOA mission in support of our Congressional mandate. In his opinion last night, Judge Lamberth indicated he would take further steps to ensure compliance with his orders concerning Voice of America.

We are also hopeful of continued funding for VOA in Congress. I believe that members of Congress continue to value Voice of America and understand that it remains a vital tool for combating the malevolent global influence of China, Russia and Iran. I believe lawmakers and members of the Administration also understand that it would be a mistake to cede the information space to U.S. geopolitical rivals in the coming years.

Please keep the faith and know how much I respect your resilience at a time of such uncertainty. I will be sure to keep you posted as events unfold. Thank you for your service and dedication to Voice of America.

Sincerely,
Mike