A federal appeals court ruled Kari Lake illegally fired Voice of America director Michael Abramowitz
A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that former head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media Kari Lake illegally fired Voice of America director Michael Abramowitz, finding she could not remove him without approval from an independent board. The ruling rejected the Trump administration’s challenge to the law requiring board approval.
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Judge Nina Pillard, writing for the three-judge panel, said the law creating the International Broadcasting Advisory Board is “constitutionally valid,” Bloomberg Law reported. Congress enacted the firing requirements after the U.S. Agency for Global Media’s CEO attempted to fire network leaders during the first Trump administration, the outlet said.
The Washington Post reported that Lake dismissed Abramowitz in August 2025 after he refused an ultimatum to take a lower-level post in North Carolina or be fired.
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- The Washington Post — Appeals court says VOA director was fired illegally by former head Kari Lake
- Bloomberg Law — Trump Official Can’t Fire Voice of America Head, US Court Says