Radio Free Asia (RFA), along with other US-funded international broadcasters, faced significant staff layoffs and broadcast shutdowns due to a funding battle with the Trump administration. The Trump administration withheld congressionally allocated funds, despite court rulings supporting the broadcasters.
Multiple lawsuits were filed against the administration's actions. While courts initially ruled in favor of the broadcasters, issuing preliminary injunctions, the administration appealed these rulings, causing further delays and uncertainty. Judge Royce C. Lamberth defended the courts' role in upholding the law, emphasizing that the executive branch cannot unilaterally withhold congressionally approved funding.
The layoffs caused significant distress for RFA staff, many of whom are at risk of deportation or other forms of harm in their home countries. RFA exempted its most vulnerable staff from the layoffs. Journalists from Voice of America (VOA) and other impacted outlets described being in a holding pattern, paid but unable to work.
The situation has raised concerns about the spread of unchecked propaganda during the broadcasting shutdown. Broadcasters warned about the “irreparable harm” to US reputation and the potential endangerment of staff members due to the funding cuts.