A U.S. court today (March 24) is considering a lawsuit filed by Radio Free Europe (RFE) against the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). The lawsuit seeks to prevent “irreparable damage” caused by the withholding of funds approved by Congress. USAGM had previously decided to terminate the federal grant for RFE.
The hearing began at 2 p.m. local time in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
RFE is requesting that USAGM release $7.5 million covering the period from March 1 to March 15, after USAGM halted previously allocated funding.
The lawsuit claims that withholding access to these funds violates U.S. law and the Constitution, which grants Congress final authority over federal expenditures.
RFE is also seeking a temporary injunction to release the funds for March and limit the damage caused by the funding cut. A preliminary hearing regarding the remaining grant funds for the 2025 fiscal year is scheduled for mid-April.
RFE President Steven Kapus emphasized the significant impact the funding cut has had on the organization’s ability to report uncensored news in 23 countries where they broadcast.
USAGM argued in its filing that the District Court is not the proper venue for the case and that the agency has authority over its users.
The threat of funding cuts has sparked waves of support for RFE from audiences in countries like Iran, Belarus, Afghanistan, Russia, Pakistan, and Ukraine, where the organization is known for its courageous and unbiased reporting.
This move comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order called for cuts to seven agencies, including USAGM, “to the maximum extent allowed by law.”
