**Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Shutting Down Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty**
A U.S. federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to shut down Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). The decision was made on March 25, according to ABC News.
RFE/RL is a key independent news source for audiences in countries with restricted media environments. It was founded during the Cold War to counter Soviet propaganda. Despite being defunded by the Trump administration, RFE/RL continues to operate and provide crucial news to people in many parts of the world.
**Judge Says Funding Cut Violates Federal Law**
U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth issued a temporary restraining order, ruling that the administration’s attempt to defund RFE/RL was “unsupported by any facts or reasoning” and likely violated federal law. The judge said that the leadership of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) cannot simply shut down RFE/RL without a proper explanation.
The funding cut was part of President Trump’s decision to eliminate seven federal agencies, including USAGM, on March 14. This move also placed Voice of America employees on administrative leave and terminated congressionally approved funding for RFE/RL.
**RFE/RL Sues Trump Administration**
RFE/RL sued the Trump administration on March 18, arguing that the funding termination violated federal law and the U.S. Constitution. The judge’s decision is a temporary victory for RFE/RL, but it remains to be seen how this case will ultimately play out.
**Constitutional Conflict Looms**
Trump’s allies have publicly questioned the court‘s authority over executive decisions, raising concerns about a looming constitutional conflict. This is not the first time that U.S. courts have intervened to stall some of Trump’s major cuts.