Radio Free Asia is facing significant layoffs and the shutdown of many broadcasts due to a funding conflict with the Trump administration, which has withheld congressionally allocated funds despite favorable court rulings for the broadcaster. The administration's actions are part of a broader effort to defund international broadcasters like Voice of America, leading to legal battles and appeals against court rulings that support the broadcasters. The situation has left journalists concerned about the spread of unchecked propaganda and the potential risks to their safety, as they may face deportation or harassment without the support of their employers. An impassioned plea from the heads of affected broadcasters highlights the 'irreparable harm' caused by the funding cuts and urges immediate restoration of funds to prevent further damage to the United States' reputation and protect journalists' lives. Despite some legal victories, the administration continues to appeal, leaving broadcasters in a precarious position as they fight to keep operating amid legal and financial uncertainty.

Radio Free Asia is laying off most of its staff and shutting down broadcasts due to the Trump administration's withholding of congressionally allocated funding, despite a federal judge ruling in the broadcaster's favor.

The Trump administration's actions are part of a broader campaign to defund U.S.-backed international broadcasters like Voice of America, leading to multiple lawsuits and appeals against court rulings that favor the broadcasters.

Journalists have expressed concerns that the inability to broadcast allows adversaries to spread unchecked propaganda and that the withdrawal of support may lead to harassment or deportation back to repressive regimes.

The heads of Radio Free Asia and other broadcasters sent a letter to U.S. Agency for Global Media officials, including Kari Lake, urging the restoration of funding to prevent further reputational damage to the U.S. and protect journalists' lives.

A federal judge issued rulings supporting the broadcasters, emphasizing that the executive branch cannot unilaterally change course and withhold funds agreed upon by the President and Congress, but the administration has continued to appeal these decisions.

Radio Free Asia has exempted some of its most vulnerable staffers from layoffs to protect them from deportation or other risks, and continues to operate while engaging in legal battles for funding.

Despite legal victories, the administration's appeals have left broadcasters in a 'holding pattern,' unable to report while the court considers emergency motions, further complicating their ability to function effectively.