Washington, D.C. — A federal court has ruled that the Trump administration cannot remove Michael Abramowitz from his position as director of Voice of America, delivering a setback to the administration’s attempts to modify the government-funded international news outlet.
In a ruling issued on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth affirmed that Abramowitz’s dismissal would require approval from the International Broadcasting Advisory Board. The judge emphasized that the legal stipulations are explicit: Abramowitz can only be removed if a majority of the board votes in favor of such action.
Lamberth stated, “There is no longer a question of whether the termination was unlawful,” signaling a clear response to the administration’s efforts to oust the director, who has been criticized by Trump for promoting what the president describes as “anti-Trump” messaging.
Since taking office, Trump has made significant cuts to the board, dismissing six of its seven members and placing Abramowitz, along with 1,300 other Voice of America employees, on leave in March. Tensions escalated when the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) offered Abramowitz a reassignment to a different position in Greenville, North Carolina, making clear that refusal could lead to his termination.
Shortly after, Abramowitz took legal action against the agency. By August 1, USAGM notified him that he would be fired if he did not accept the new role. The government argued that Abramowitz’s claims were premature since he had not yet been officially removed. They also contended that the board’s requirement for approval interfered with Trump’s executive authority.
Judge Lamberth countered these arguments, noting that regardless of whether the agency opted to terminate or reassign Abramowitz, either action would require board consent. If the President wished to streamline the process, Lamberth suggested that he could fill the vacant board positions he previously dismantled.
He stated, “To the extent the Board’s current lack of quorum institutes a practical barrier to removing Abramowitz, the Broadcast Act gives the President a straightforward remedy: replacing the removed members.” Lamberth highlighted that the efforts made to remove Abramowitz did not adhere to legal requirements, especially given that the board has been operating without a quorum since early January.
This ruling not only underscores the legal protections in place regarding leadership at Voice of America, but it also reflects ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and media organizations. Voice of America has served as an important conduit for U.S. international communications since its establishment, and its independence is closely watched by advocates for press freedom.
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