Notes to staff

VOA director ‘thrilled’ with ruling to bring VOA employees back to work

March 17, 2026

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to report that Judge Lamberth ruled this afternoon that the government’s actions last year to place more than 1000 USAGM employees on administrative leave, most of them from Voice of America, were illegal and should be set aside. He ordered staff back to work by Monday, March 23rd.

I am thrilled with Judge Lamberth’s ruling and, like all of you, I will be grateful to get back to work. Given world events, Voice of America has never been more needed. I look forward to working with you and the Trump administration to make sure VOA fulfills its vital mandate, as established by Congress more than eight decades ago.

I know many of you will have questions about the scope of the ruling and how VOA operations will be restored. The lawyers are still digesting today’s ruling, and I may have more to report in the coming days. Judge Lamberth made clear that his order sending employees back to work, unfortunately does not extend to the more than 500 personal service contractors fired last spring. I deeply regret that, and I hope there will be a path to bring these talented colleagues back to work.

It is also possible that the government will appeal today’s ruling. While this is not likely the end of the litigation, lawmakers in both parties understand the urgent need for a strong Voice of America and have appropriated enough funds for the agency to do its job. It is time for all parties to come together and work to rebuild and strengthen the agency.

Please know how much I appreciate your resilience and steadfast dedication to Voice of America. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Respectfully,
Mike