Federal judge rules Kari Lake lacked authority at USAGM, voiding Voice of America layoffs and other actions

What did the judge’s ruling do to Kari Lake’s actions at USAGM and VOA?

Judge Royce C. Lamberth ruled Lake lacked lawful authority to act as USAGM’s leader and declared her actions during the relevant period “void,” including major job cuts and other steps affecting VOA operations. CNN International,Reuters

Why did the court say Lake lacked authority?

The ruling concluded Lake’s appointment and/or the way authority was delegated to her violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and the Constitution’s Appointments Clause, which govern who may exercise certain federal executive powers without Senate confirmation. Reuters,Hill

What happens next for Voice of America and affected employees?

Some reports said the decision, if upheld on appeal, could allow more than 1,000 journalists and staff to return to their jobs, but other coverage noted the immediate effect on VOA operations was not clear and Lake said the ruling would be appealed. NYT,Yahoo