Kari Lake's tenure running Voice of America parent company unlawful, layoffs invalid: Court

WASHINGTON,DC: A federal judge on Saturday, March 7 ruled that Kari Lake was not legally authorized to run the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) last year, declaring that major decisions she made during that period including sweeping layoffs are invalid.

In the ruling, District Judge Royce C Lamberth determined that the attempt to place Lake effectively in charge of the agency violated federal law, meaning actions taken under that arrangement “are void.”

The decision marks a significant legal setback for Lake, a loyal ally of President Donald Trump who was tapped to oversee the agency amid efforts to overhaul US-funded international broadcasting.

Federal Judge rules in favour of Voice of America employees

The decision came in a case filed by several journalists from 'Voice of America' who argued that Lake’s leadership threatened both their jobs and the editorial independence of the broadcaster.

The central issue before the court was whether Lake was legally allowed to perform the duties of the agency’s chief executive.

Judge Royce C Lamberth wrote in the ruling that only the Appointments Clause or the Vacancies Act’s exclusive framework can authorize someone to serve as a principal officer, and that Lake meets neither the statutory nor constitutional requirements.

In the ruling, Judge Lamberth said accepting Lake’s argument would mean the court must conclude that a president can appoint someone as a first assistant at any point during a vacancy in a Senate-confirmed position and then elevate that person to serve as the acting officer.

Although USAGM’s website lists Lake as deputy CEO, she effectively assumed the top leadership role for months, sparking concerns about whether the arrangement complied with federal appointment rules.

Lamberth concluded that officials attempted to install Lake as the agency’s leader “in all but name”. The judge, who was appointed by former President Ronald Reagan, has repeatedly blocked actions tied to the administration’s attempts to restructure the media agency.

Kari Lake calls judge 'activist'

Responding to the decision, Lake accused the court of obstructing efforts to shrink the federal government.

“The American people gave President Trump a mandate to eliminate waste and restore accountability, An activist judge is trying to stand in the way of those efforts at USAGM.”

Lake said the agency will challenge the ruling on appeal.

In a joint statement, plaintiffs Patsy Widakuswara, Kate Neeper, and Jessica Jerreat said “We feel vindicated and deeply grateful.”

Plaintiffs welcomed the court’s decision, saying it represented an important step toward reversing damage done to the organization.

They said the ruling offers hope that the network’s operations which were severely disrupted can be restored.