Washington, DC — Today, the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit allowed the preliminary injunction in Radio Free Asia v. United States and Middle East Broadcasting Networks v. United States to remain in place while the case proceeds.
Democracy Forward and Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP represent Radio Free Asia (RFA) and Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) in the lawsuits, which challenge the Trump administration’s unconstitutional attempt to shutter international media networks that provide uncensored journalism in parts of the world where press freedom is under attack.
Today’s decision means the Trump-Vance administration cannot move forward with its attempt to defund the networks. It is a critical step toward protecting free press, the rule of law, and the millions of people around the world who depend on independent journalism from RFA and MBN.
“This is a victory for press freedom and constitutional democracy,” said Kristin Bateman, Senior Counsel at Democracy Forward. “The Trump-Vance administration’s efforts to sideline independent journalism and flout Congress’s authority are dangerous and unlawful—and today’s ruling rightly prevents further harm while the legal fight continues.”
“Radio Free Asia is a journalistic bulwark against China’s malign influence in Asia and globally,” said Bay Fang, President and CEO of RFA. “Denying RFA its Congressionally appropriated funds would be the biggest gift the U.S. can give to the CCP and other repressive regimes, who are rushing to fill the void left in our wake. The decision today is a critical step toward ensuring that we can continue our vital work.”
“The court ruling is consistent with checks and balances and ensures respect for a Congressional mandate,” said MBN President/CEO Jeffrey Gedmin. “The U.S. must have a voice in the Middle East. We’ve been baffled by the USAGM’s ongoing attempts to silence this voice, entirely to the benefit of American adversaries and Islamic extremists.”
The ruling ensures that USAGM must continue disbursing congressionally appropriated funds to RFA and MBN while the court considers the merits of the case.
The legal team at Democracy Forward on this case includes Kristin Bateman, Jennifer Fountain Connolly, and Robin F. Thurston.
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Democracy Forward is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org.