Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) has filed a lawsuit against Kari Lake and the Trump administration over funding issues that threaten its operations. The lawsuit, submitted in a federal court in Washington D.C., claims that RFE/RL has not received a $7.5 million payment, which was due recently. This funding freeze is said to undermine the financial stability of the organization, which relies heavily on government grants for its operations.
RFE/RL, which was established during the Cold War to provide news to people living under communist regimes, argues that the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) is obligated by law to distribute funds as directed by appropriations. The lawsuit emphasizes that the agency does not have the discretion to withhold these funds. RFE/RL President Stephen Capus stated that immediate relief is needed to ensure compliance with the law and to prevent the organization from having to lay off employees who serve audiences in 23 countries across Europe and Asia.
The lawsuit names several defendants, including Victor Morales, the acting CEO of USAGM, and Kari Lake, who previously served as a senior advisor to Morales. Lake is a former television anchor who ran for governor and senator in Arizona. The legal action follows President Trump’s recent executive order aimed at eliminating the USAGM, which has raised concerns about the future of RFE/RL.
In a statement, Capus highlighted the importance of RFE/RL’s mission, saying, "This is not the time to cede terrain to the propaganda and censorship of America’s adversaries." The organization has been a crucial source of independent news, especially in regions where free press is limited.
European leaders have expressed concern over the potential impact of these funding cuts. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky urged EU ministers to explore ways to support RFE/RL, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas lamented the U.S. decision to reduce funding, stating it is unfortunate for democracy.
The situation remains critical as RFE/RL awaits a resolution to its funding dilemma, which could significantly affect its ability to continue its work in promoting free speech and providing reliable news coverage around the world.