D.C. Circuit Blocks Voice of America Director Removal
Appellate court rules advisory board approval is mandatory for firing the VOA director.
1Court Rejects Unilateral Removal
A D.C. Circuit panel ruled that the U.S. Agency for Global Media cannot unilaterally fire Voice of America director Michale Abramowitz. The court upheld a permanent injunction requiring a majority vote from the International Broadcasting Advisory Board. This decision limits executive power by enforcing specific statutory requirements for leadership changes within the agency.
2Advisory Board Quorum Issues
The seven-member advisory board currently lacks a quorum following President Trump’s decision to fire six of its seven members upon taking office. Only Secretary of State Marco Rubio remains on the board. Without a functional quorum, the agency faces significant procedural hurdles in executing personnel decisions regarding the network’s top leadership roles.
3Constitutional Authority Arguments
The Justice Department argued that requiring board approval violates the separation of powers by interfering with presidential authority over inferior officers. However, Judge Cornelia Pillard noted that Congress holds the constitutional power to vest removal authority in the Broadcasting Board. The court determined the board, not the CEO, holds the final say.
4Executive Order Context
In March 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy, targeting VOA and other media organizations. CEO Kari Lake subsequently placed Abramowitz on administrative leave alongside 1,300 other employees. He was later fired after refusing a reassignment, triggering the legal challenge that reached the appellate court.
5Statutory Removal Pathways
The court identified two distinct pathways for removing a network head under current law. Approval can come from a majority of the Broadcasting Board via the agency CEO, or five or more board members can act unilaterally after consultation. These mechanisms ensure that the CEO manages daily operations while the board retains oversight.
6Judicial Precedent Cited
Judge Pillard cited the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that prevented the removal of Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook. This precedent supports the judiciary's role in allowing officials to remain in their positions throughout ongoing litigation. The panel emphasized that Congress intentionally divided responsibilities between the advisory board and the agency's executive leadership.
7Historical Agency Significance
Voice of America was established over 80 years ago to counter Nazi propaganda during World War II. It has maintained its operations through various government shutdowns, consistently providing pro-democracy programming and fact-driven journalism. The organization remains a critical component of U.S. global communications, operating under specific legislative mandates since its inception.
8Future Legal Implications
The ruling underscores the limits of executive authority when specific statutes define removal processes for federal positions. By requiring board approval, the court has effectively stalled the administration's efforts to replace VOA leadership. Observers must now watch whether the administration attempts to appoint new board members to regain the necessary quorum.
Original article: Courthouse News — D.C. Circuit Blocks Voice of America Director Removal