Voice of America to Resume After Court Intervention

Voice of America (VOA), the U.S.-funded broadcaster, is set to resume operations next week after being taken off the air in March 2025 by a Trump administration executive order that eliminated its funding and placed over 1,300 employees on leave. A federal court ordered the restoration of VOA's programming and staff access, but a federal appeals court has since partially paused the order, leaving the future funding of other USAGM networks like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia uncertain. The legal challenges were brought by media watchdogs and affected employees, who argued the executive order exceeded presidential authority. The Justice Department has informed staff that system access is being reinstated and a phased return to the office will begin. VOA leadership and staff remain hopeful, though concerns persist about the organization's ability to fully recover. VOA continues to broadcast in 49 languages to 360 million people, serving as a key tool for U.S. public diplomacy and media freedom.