Scandal in the media sphere: Radio Liberty sues the US government
20 March 2025 12:52
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) has filed a lawsuit against the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to stop the termination of a federal grant that supports its operation. The conflict is unfolding amid allegations of violations of federal laws and the US Constitution. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to Radio Liberty.
The case will be heard in the District Court of the District of Columbia.
Reasons for the lawsuit and RFE/RL’s position
On March 14, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to cut seven federal agencies, including the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty media corporation, Voice of America, and some other media outlets.
After that, it became known that the grant approved by Congress that finances the activities of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty was terminated.
Today, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty filed a lawsuit against the USAGM and its officials Kari Lake and Victor Morales. The goal is to block the decision to terminate the federal grant that funds the organization’s activities.
In its court complaint, RFE/RL argues that the denial of funding violates US federal laws. In particular, it is argued that Congress has exclusive power over the allocation of budgetary funds, and the USAGM’s decision to terminate the grant is contrary to the US Constitution.
“Now is not the time to give way to propaganda and censorship by America’s enemies. We believe that the law is on our side and that the celebration of our demise by despots around the world is premature,” said RFE/RL President Stephen Capus.
About Radio Free Europe and its funding
RFE/RL is an independent international media organization that provides access to objective information in countries where freedom of speech is under threat. It reaches nearly 50 million listeners in 23 countries, including:
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Iran
- Afghanistan
- Pakistan
- Countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus
RFE/RL is funded through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAGM) with funds appropriated by the U.S. Congress.
Possible consequences of the decision
If the court upholds the USAGM’s position, RFE/RL may lose its main source of funding, which would jeopardize its ability to continue broadcasting in countries with restricted freedom of speech.
At the same time, if the court sides with RFE/RL, it could set a precedent in the distribution of public funds and the influence of administrative structures on independent media.
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