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VOA journalists sue, accusing US government of forcing censorship, propaganda
Four VOA journalists and press-freedom groups filed a lawsuit alleging censorship and propaganda under Trump-era USAGM leadership, impacting broadcasts to Iran, China, North Korea, and Kurdish audiences.
- On March 23, 2026, four Voice of America employees and three press‑freedom groups filed a federal suit in Washington, D.C., seeking to stop alleged censorship and protect newsroom independence.
- Kari Lake, appointee at USAGM, removed contractors, placed more than 1,000 VOA employees on paid leave, and reduced 49 language services to six, citing restructuring efforts.
- Alleging editorial orders, the complaint says VOA transmissions to Iran, China, North Korea and Kurdish populations omit death tolls and barely mention the Feb. 28, 2026 deadly bombing of a girls’ school.
- Court rulings earlier this month forced the return of more than 1,000 full‑time VOA journalists, and Judge Royce Lamberth ordered USAGM to file a progress update by April 1, while plaintiffs seek a jury trial and permanent injunction.
- VOA, founded during World War II, historically served as a demonstration of free press and soft power, reaching more than 360 million people weekly until last year; plaintiffs warn losing editorial integrity risks VOA becoming government mouthpieces for authoritarian societies and global audiences.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Former VOA Employees Sue Trump Administration Over “Censorship” of News Outlet
Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date. Former Voice of America employees have sued Trump administration officials, alleging the network’s editorial independence was compromised by censorship in violation of federal law an…
Employees of the state-funded US foreign broadcaster Voice of America accuse the Trump administration of using it for propaganda. They filed a lawsuit.
US journalists sue to protect Voice of America from political control
WASHINGTON: Journalists at the US government-funded broadcaster Voice of America (VOA) have filed a lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of undermining the outlet’s independence and turning it into a tool for political messaging. The complaint, filed on Monday in the US District Court in Washington, focuses on VOA transmissions to audiences in Iran, China, North Korea, and Kurdish regions, alleging that coverage now reflects White House tal…
Voice of America journalists allege Trump is making news outlet a propaganda source
Some journalists at Voice of America charged in a lawsuit Monday that the Trump administration — while largely shutting down the government-run outlet that provides news around the world — has turned what remains into a voice for propaganda.
VOA Journalists Sue, Accuse US Govt of Forcing Censorship
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