Federal judge blocks Trump administration's defunding of Radio Free Europe
- A federal judge in Washington, D.C., temporarily restrains the shutdown of a prominent international broadcasting organization.
- The action follows challenges against the Trump administration's initiatives to eliminate funding for such organizations.
- The court's ruling emphasizes the importance of RFE/RL in serving public interest and the necessity of adhering to congressional appropriations.
In a significant legal development, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth issued a temporary restraining order in Washington, D.C., to block the shutdown of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). This decision followed an appeal by the organization, which argued that the Trump administration and Kari Lake, head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), were violating federal law by attempting to cut its funding. The judge's order came after it was revealed that nearly $7.5 million in appropriated funds had been temporarily frozen by the USAGM, following an executive order signed by President Trump aimed at reducing government funding to certain media organizations deemed unnecessary. Lamberth emphasized that RFE/RL serves a critical role in providing independent news, particularly in regions subjected to oppressive regimes. He determined that the funding for RFE/RL had been approved by Congress and was essential for its continued operation, asserting that the agency could not simply decide to shut it down based on insufficient reasoning. The situation escalated further when RFE/RL filed a lawsuit after the USAGM sent a termination notice with a vague justification, claiming it was acting on presidential directives. The implications of this legal fight extend beyond RFE/RL as it also affects other entities under the USAGM umbrella, highlighting a broader conflict over the future of U.S.-funded media initiatives abroad. The judge's ruling underscores the legal protections that exist for congressionally approved organizations, reinforcing the principle that government actions must adhere to established laws and funding processes.