Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to prevent the termination of federal funding for the broadcaster. The lawsuit claims that the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has breached constitutional and federal laws by withholding funds that Congress allocated specifically for the broadcaster. USAGM is responsible for distributing funds to U.S.-backed international networks like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which operate in regions lacking a free press.
Stephen Capus, the president and CEO of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, emphasized the importance of the network's mission, stating that conceding to adversaries' propaganda and censorship is not an option. The network reaches 47 million people weekly in 27 languages across 23 countries, including Afghanistan, Hungary, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, and Ukraine. It was established in 1950 to promote American values by providing comprehensive news coverage.
The lawsuit targets USAGM and officials Kari Lake and Victor Morales, who have not commented on the matter. Former USAGM general counsel David Kligerman noted that the network had no alternative but to pursue legal action, as their funding relationship with the government is meant to be cooperative.
Recently, Congress passed a temporary spending bill that included continued funding for the agency and its networks. However, an executive order from the White House instructed USAGM to limit its activities to those required by law. The lawsuit argues that the agency is legally obligated to distribute the funds as Congress intended.
The legal challenge mirrors arguments made by employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development, where a judge ruled that the Trump administration likely violated the Constitution by effectively closing the agency. Over the weekend, Lake shut down Voice of America and Radio/TV Marti, revoked contracts for distributing funds to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and related networks, and terminated the Open Tech Fund's contract.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is the first network to contest these actions. In a tweet, Lake criticized the agency, suggesting it needed significant reform. On a podcast with Steve Bannon, she anticipated the lawsuit and mocked the network leaders.
USAGM placed Voice of America staff on indefinite paid leave, ended contracts with hundreds of employees, and severed ties with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and other networks. These actions were criticized by Congressional Democrats, international diplomats, and some Republicans but were praised by Trump supporters and authoritarian regimes. Russian and Chinese officials expressed satisfaction with the developments, viewing them as a victory over U.S. influence.
Libby Liu, former president of Radio Free Asia, highlighted the strategic threat posed by China, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a free press to counter misinformation and disinformation campaigns.