A federal judge in Washington blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to fire Michael Abramowitz as Voice of America’s director on Thursday, following an initial effort by administration official Kari Lake to remove him. Abramowitz, a former Washington Post reporter leading the U.S.-funded broadcaster since last year, argued only a Senate-confirmed advisory board could remove him. President Trump had dismissed all board members in January.
The Washington Post reports U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, appointed by Reagan, ruled in Abramowitz’s favor, stating Lake lacked authority without a board majority vote.
Lamberth rejected the government’s claim that the statute governing VOA director removal infringes on the president’s power over “inferior officers.”
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| Kari Lake |
Lamberth issued a permanent injunction blocking Abramowitz’s removal and upheld the statute’s constitutionality. Abramowitz, notified of his termination on August 1 for refusing a North Carolina job, welcomed the ruling, emphasizing VOA’s role in U.S. security and influence.
Lake defended the administration’s position.
Abramowitz, placed on leave in March with over 1,000 USAGM employees under Trump’s executive order to downsize the agency, sued Lake, arguing her actions were illegal. Lake, a former Arizona candidate, was named USAGM deputy CEO in July after Trump’s board dismissal left her without formal authority to replace Abramowitz.