The ruling criticized the Trump administration for failing to provide evidence that these media outlets were not fulfilling their congressional mission, labeling the government's decision as arbitrary and capricious.

The judge emphasized that the shutdown of these networks constituted irreparable harm, impacting the health and safety of journalists and the millions of listeners who rely on their programming.

These broadcasters, funded by Congress, are required to provide 'accurate, objective, and comprehensive' reporting, a mandate that Lamberth highlighted in his decision.

Critics, including Trump and his allies, have accused VOA of having a 'leftist bias,' while plaintiffs argue that it reports news impartially and objectively.

The U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees VOA, has a budget of nearly $860 million for the current fiscal year, underscoring the significance of these broadcasting services.

Patsy Widakuswara, VOA's White House Bureau Chief, expressed gratitude for the ruling, although she anticipates that an appeal from the Trump administration is likely.

A federal judge in Washington has ordered the reinstatement of employees and funding for the Voice of America (VOA) and other U.S. public media, countering the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle these vital services.

U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth ruled that the administration's requirement for VOA to cease operations was illegal, marking the first such closure of a major U.S. media outlet since World War II.

Lamberth's ruling mandates the restoration of Voice of America along with Radio Free Asia and Middle East Broadcasting Networks until ongoing lawsuits are resolved.

The ruling was celebrated by unions and journalism organizations, which emphasized the importance of independent journalism for national security and countering disinformation.

The White House had justified the cuts as part of a broader effort to reduce government waste, labeling VOA's expenditures as 'frivolous,' but Lamberth found this justification lacking.

The targeted networks aim to promote American democratic values and provide independent journalism to countries lacking a free press, a mission that remains critical in today's media landscape.