A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration must restore funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), a U.S. state-funded media outlet. The administration had previously halted the funding, citing concerns over alleged ‘obscene overspending’ and accusations of the outlet being ‘infested with spies and terrorist sympathizers’. The ruling, issued by Judge Royce C. Lamberth, determined that the administration’s decision to stop funding was legally unsound and lacked clear justification.
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees state-funded media, froze funding for RFE/RL after the previous agreement expired in March. This decision led to staff furloughs and programming cuts, though the EU stepped in to cover the budgetary gap. The court criticized the USAGM for its lack of communication and responsiveness to RFE/RL’s requests for new terms, calling their actions ‘stonewalling’. The ruling further noted that the USAGM’s ‘flagrant disregard for its funding responsibilities’ caused significant harm to RFE/RL, including the loss of jobs and the suspension of programming.
RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus welcomed the court’s decision, stating that the ruling provides the necessary momentum for journalists to continue reaching nearly 47 million people each week. He emphasized that the decision allows RFE/RL to continue advancing U.S. national security interests. The ruling highlights broader concerns about the administration’s approach to state-funded media and its potential impact on U.S. foreign policy and global influence. This case raises questions about the legal boundaries of executive power and the role of state media in international affairs.