US Judge Rules Against Kari Lake's Actions at Voice of America

US Judge Rules Against Kari Lake’s Actions at Voice of America

A federal judge ruled that Kari Lake’s leadership of the US Agency for Global Media violated federal law, leading to the invalidation of her actions as acting CEO of Voice of America, including mass layoffs. Judge Royce Lamberth granted summary judgment in favor of plaintiffs, including VOA journalists and a union, who argued Lake’s appointment and actions were illegal. Lake, who joined USAGM as a senior adviser after her appointment, was deemed ineligible to serve as acting CEO due to not being employed by USAGM at the time of the resignation of former CEO Amanda Bennett and lacking Senate confirmation. The judge also rejected the administration’s argument that Lake could act as CEO through delegation from a previous acting CEO. This marks the third time Lamberth has ruled against the Trump administration in cases involving Voice of America.