Federal Judge Blocks Kari Lake's USAGM Restructuring

Lake vows to appeal the ruling that voided her actions as acting deputy CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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A federal judge in Washington, D.C. has ruled that actions taken by Kari Lake during her time as acting deputy CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) in 2025 are void. The judge cited issues with Lake's appointment and lack of Senate confirmation, as well as violations of the Appointments Clause and Vacancies Act. Lake has announced plans to appeal the ruling, which blocks her sweeping restructuring of the agency that included eliminating over 530 government positions.

Why it matters

The USAGM oversees the government-funded Voice of America international broadcasting system, which was created during World War II to combat propaganda. This ruling is the third time the judge has ruled against the Trump administration's actions regarding the USAGM and Voice of America, raising questions about the administration's efforts to restructure the agency.

The details

In a ruling issued on March 7th, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth declared that 'any actions taken by Lake' while she served as the CEO of the USAGM 'are void,' which puts Lake's restructuring efforts at risk. The judge claimed that Lake was never properly appointed to her role, lacking prior USAGM employment and Senate confirmation. The ruling blocks Lake's August 2025 reduction in force that eliminated over 530 government positions at the agency.

  • In August 2025, Lake eliminated over 530 government positions at the USAGM.
  • On March 7, 2026, the federal judge issued the ruling voiding Lake's actions as acting deputy CEO.

The players

Kari Lake

The former acting deputy CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) who implemented a sweeping restructuring of the agency in 2025.

Royce Lamberth

The U.S. District Judge who issued the ruling voiding Lake's actions as acting deputy CEO of the USAGM.

Amanda Bennett

The former CEO of the USAGM who resigned in January 2025, leading to Lake's appointment as acting deputy CEO.

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What they’re saying

“Only the Appointments Clause or the Vacancies Act's exclusive structure may authorize service as a principal officer, and Lake satisfies the requirements of neither the statute nor the Constitution.”

— Royce Lamberth, U.S. District Judge (Court Ruling)

“Judge Lamberth has a pattern of activist rulings - and this case is no different.”

— Kari Lake (Statement)

What’s next

Kari Lake has announced plans to appeal the federal judge's ruling that voided her actions as acting deputy CEO of the USAGM.

The takeaway

This ruling highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the judiciary over the restructuring of government agencies like the USAGM. It raises questions about the administration's efforts to reshape federal institutions and the limits of executive power.