Context:

Following a federal court ruling against the Trump administration, Voice of America (VOA) employees have been granted access back to their systems and will soon resume programming. The administration had previously shut down VOA as part of a broader effort to reduce the US Agency for Global Media, silencing the network without explanation. This abrupt shutdown, ordered by President Trump, came with accusations of national security violations against the agency. Despite initial resistance, court orders have forced the administration to reinstate VOA staff and operations, amidst skepticism from employees due to past hostilities. Efforts to restore VOA will require significant time and dedication to regain its pre-shutdown audience and fulfill its mission of promoting democratic values globally.

Dive Deeper:

• Voice of America, a US government-funded entity, was abruptly shut down by the Trump administration, which led to staff being sidelined and operations halted without explanation, freezing the network's activities since March 15.

• Kari Lake, initially a Trump loyalist who deemed the agency unsalvageable, is now tasked with reviving VOA operations following federal court rulings against the administration's actions.

• Federal court decisions have highlighted the administration's likely violations of federal laws, compelling the administration to allow VOA employees back to their offices and resume operations.

• The shutdown affected not only VOA but also terminated financial support for other broadcasters like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia, leading them to struggle with limited funds and resort to layoffs.

• VOA chief national correspondent Steve Herman emphasized the challenge of reviving the network from its 'deep coma,' requiring a significant effort to reach its previous audience of 340 million across nearly 50 language services.

• Some VOA staffers remain skeptical of the Trump administration's intentions due to its previous accusations against the agency and the open hostility demonstrated in a press release labeling them as a national security threat.

• Judge Royce C. Lamberth's preliminary injunction against the administration's actions has not been stayed by the appeals court, resulting in the immediate return-to-work notice for VOA staffers, amidst ongoing legal proceedings for related broadcasters.