WASHINGTON — A federal appeals court panel has temporarily blocked a judge’s directive requiring the Trump administration to restore hundreds of Voice of America workers to their positions from paid administrative leave, according to a Tuesday ruling.
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals three-judge panel granted a stay while the government challenges the lower court’s March 17 decision. Over 1,000 Voice of America staff members will continue on administrative leave as the appeals process unfolds, which may extend for several months.
Federal District Judge Royce Lamberth had directed President Donald Trump’s administration to reinstate the government-funded Voice of America’s full operations after they were essentially halted a year prior. Lamberth received his appointment from Republican President Ronald Reagan.
The appeal will be heard by Circuit Judges Karen LeCraft Henderson, Robert Wilkins and Gregory Katsas.
Henderson received her nomination from Republican President George H.W. Bush, while Wilkins was appointed by Democratic President Barack Obama. Katsas was nominated by Trump, a Republican.
The Voice of America has delivered news programming to nations worldwide since its establishment during World War II. Prior to Trump’s executive directive, the service operated in 49 languages and reached 362 million people globally.
Since Trump’s executive order to cease operations, Voice of America has functioned with only essential personnel.
Judge Lamberth has also determined that Kari Lake, Trump’s selection to head Voice of America, lacked proper legal authorization for her actions at the organization.
