Appeals court upholds reinstatement of Voice of America director

Published 12h ago · Latest report 6h ago · Court ruling

Affects United States

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An appeals court ruled that the termination of Voice of America's director was unlawful, ordering his reinstatement.

A federal appeals court has ruled that Voice of America Director Michael Abramowitz was removed unlawfully. The unanimous three-judge panel upheld a lower court decision, backing his return to the role after a dismissal last year. The ruling represents a fresh legal setback for administration efforts to reshape the international broadcaster.

The backgroundMichael Abramowitz was dismissed in August 2025 after declining to transfer to a subordinate position.
The judicial panelThe decision was delivered unanimously by a three-judge panel on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

What's new · 6h agoAn appeals court panel finalized its unanimous ruling backing the reinstatement of the broadcaster's director following earlier lower-court action.

Why it matters

The independence of federal broadcasters like Voice of America has been a frequent battleground in executive branch administration policy and federal hiring protections. Disputes over agency leadership often test statutory limits on presidential appointment powers and civil service tenure.

Timeline2

Aug 2025Kari Lake dismisses Michael Abramowitz after he refuses a transfer to a lower-level position.
Nov 10A federal appeals court panel upholds a lower-court decision declaring the termination illegal.

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What outlets agree on

A federal appeals court panel unanimously upheld a lower-court ruling stating that the dismissal of Voice of America director Michael Abramowitz was illegal.

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