Note to staff
VOA director gratified by blocked firing
By Michael Abramowitz, VOA director
Published
Dear colleagues,
Today, a D.C. Circuit panel unanimously ruled that the Administration unlawfully removed me as director of Voice of America. I am gratified by this result and look forward to getting back to the important work Voice of America does worldwide on behalf of the American people.
My lawyers and I are carefully studying the decision to determine next steps. But there is no longer any reason for the government to prevent me from doing the job for which I was legally installed on a bipartisan basis more than two years ago.
The ruling underscores the urgent need to return Voice of America to the fully functioning agency envisioned by Congress, including bringing back all the employees illegally placed on administrative leave by the Administration. In the nearly year and a half since VOA was shuttered, China, Russia and other U.S. national security rivals have taken advantage of the absence of America’s Voice to sow disinformation and false narratives about the United States. As the Court stated, “Voice of America is the flagship international broadcaster of the Untied States.” VOA helps make our country stronger.
I have been heartened that President Trump’s nominee for CEO of the US Agency for Global Media has indicated support for bringing back more VOA staff and programming. I urge the government to continue along this path. There is no need for continued litigation, simply a willingness to follow the law governing VOA, including properly spending appropriated funds to build back the agency and allowing the duly appointed director to do his job.
I want to thank my attorney Bill Schultz and his colleagues at Zuckerman Spaeder, who have worked so hard not just on my behalf but also in the best interests of all my colleagues at Voice of America. Their diligence on behalf of the rule of law is inspiring.
I have also greatly appreciated the support of the staff of Voice of America. You have my sincere respect and gratitude.
Best,
Mike