A federal judge has blocked U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) head Kari Lake’s attempt to remove Voice of America (VOA) Director Michael Abramowitz, ruling that her efforts exceeded her authority.
Lake, appointed by President Donald Trump to oversee the agency, has sought to downsize VOA and remove Abramowitz, who earns nearly $380,000 annually. Abramowitz has been on paid leave since March.
Court Ruling
U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, a Reagan appointee, upheld Abramowitz’s position, pointing to the structure of VOA’s oversight board.
“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 wrote.
Trump had removed all members of the advisory board in January, but replacements have not yet been confirmed by the Senate.
Lake’s Response
Lake blasted the ruling, calling it “absurd” and vowed to appeal.
“Elections have consequences, and President Trump runs the executive branch. I have confidence that the Constitution will eventually be enforced, even if not by Judge Lamberth and other radical district judges,” Lake said.