US judge voids actions by Voice of America acting CEO Kari Lake, including mass lay-offs

South China Morning PostEN 2 min read 100% complete by ReutersMarch 8, 2026 at 05:15 AM

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A US federal judge has ruled that Kari Lake's leadership as acting CEO of the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) violated federal law. The ruling invalidates actions Lake took, including staff layoffs and operational changes at Voice of America (VOA). Judge Royce Lamberth granted summary judgment to plaintiffs, arguing Lake's appointment and actions violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and the Constitution's Appointments Clause. The judge stated Lake was ineligible because she wasn't a USAGM employee when the previous CEO resigned and hadn't been Senate-confirmed for any federal post. This is at least the third time Lamberth has ruled against the Trump administration in cases involving Voice of America.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Victor Morales 30% Amanda Bennett 40% United States 50% US District Judge Royce Lamberth ×360% Donald Trump ×260% Voice of America ×470% US Agency for Global Media ×480% Kari Lake ×790%

Keywords

kari lake 100% us agency for global media 90% voice of america 80% federal vacancies reform act 70% federal judge ruling 70% acting ceo 70% appointments clause 60% mass lay-offs 60% illegal appointment 60% donald trump administration 50%

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South China Morning Post

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kari lake us agency for global media voice of america federal vacancies reform act federal judge ruling acting ceo appointments clause mass lay-offs illegal appointment donald trump administration

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