Fate of Voice of America Still Fluid

Less than two months ago, Kari Lake, a staunch Trump ally, declared Voice of America (VOA) “unsalvageable” after the Trump administration shut down its networks and websites in March 2025. Now, Lake is spearheading efforts to revive the agency, signaling its potential return. In a Friday night memo to sidelined staff, she wrote, “We look forward to working with you all.”

Kari Lake

However, a Saturday appeals court ruling paused the decision that prompted the reactivation, casting uncertainty over the plans. The Trump administration’s bid to silence U.S.-funded international broadcasters remains embroiled in legal battles.

According to a Friday Justice Department memo, approximately 1,400 VOA employees and contractors at VOA - VOA and its parent, the U.S. Agency for Global Media - have regained access to email and systems. The memo stated that staff could return to offices starting the following week, with VOA programming set to resume. The U.S. Agency for Global Media did not clarify to CNN whether Saturday’s ruling delays this plan.

VOA, a government-funded outlet, produces journalism and promotes democratic values abroad, countering foreign propaganda. Reviving it is daunting. “Bringing VOA out of a deep coma will require substantial time and a Herculean effort by our nearly 50 language services to regain our pre-shutdown audience of 340 million,” VOA chief national correspondent Steve Herman told CNN, noting that no explanation was given for the shutdown.