RSF sues Trump Administration for dismantling ‘Voice of America’

Aim to preserve VOA’s independence & protect press freedom

International non-profit organisation advocating for press freedom, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), has recently filed a lawsuit against US President Donald Trump's administration for ordering the dismantling of Voice of America.

International non-profit organisation advocating for press freedom, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), has filed a lawsuit against the administration of Donald Trump, President, United States, for his order to dismantle the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), issued on March 14.

In a press statement, RSF says that Trump’s executive order aimed at dismantling the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), a federal agency that oversees Voice of America (VOA), hence together with VOA employees and their unions, it is demanding an immediate halt to the dissolution of the outlet and the reinstatement of its staff.

It adds that following Trump’s order, VOA employees were placed on administrative leave, asserting that it violates both the rights of journalists and the agency’s legally required functions as VOA has long been regarded as one of the most reliable sources of independent information globally, especially in regions where press freedom is severely restricted.

“Authoritarian censorship regimes, like the Kremlin and the Chinese Communist Party, are loudly cheering for the death of ‘Voice of America’. It is clear that Donald Trump’s action will encourage harsher crackdowns against journalists and press freedom, putting VOA and RSF staff, correspondents, volunteers, and supporters in greater danger. RSF is compelled to act to protect VOA and the broader press freedom community,” says Clayton Weimers, Executive Director, RSF, USA.

RSF says that the lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, is being handled pro bono by the State Democracy Defenders Fund, a nonprofit organisation that works to defend democracy across the United States.

It adds that, despite VOA operating with federal funding, it has maintained editorial independence since the 1994 US Broadcasting Act, which prohibits government interference.

According to the press statement, RSF’s mission is to defend journalists like Sithu Aung Myint and Pham Chi Dung, who have faced arrest and imprisonment for their reporting in repressive regimes. RSF aims to protect citizens’ right to reliable information, asserting that the elimination of VOA has caused irreparable harm to press freedom, especially in regions where it operates.

“VOA reporting helps keep the public and local journalists informed about human rights violations, violence, protests, and corruption — even in the world’s most censored countries. Trump’s decision is not only illegal, it is also a major blow to millions of citizens’ right to trustworthy information and an invaluable gift to the world’s biggest predators of press freedom. RSF is proud to champion this battle in US court, defending access to independent, reliable journalistic reporting for citizens worldwide,” says Thibaut Bruttin, Director General, RSF.

Meanwhile, the RSF also states that the United States currently ranks 55th out of 180 countries and territories in the 2024 RSF World Press Freedom Index, it has fallen an alarming 10 spots from 2023. Thus highlights the ongoing battle for press freedom in the US and worldwide.

“The attempt to dismantle Voice of America and the US Agency for Global Media is an unconscionable and outright attack on press freedoms. A free and independent press is the bedrock of democracy both at home and abroad. We are proud to stand with Reporters Without Borders and coalition members in our critical fight to defend free and independent journalism,” says Ambassador Norman Eisen, Co-founder, board member, State Democracy Defenders Fund.