Judge temporarily halts Trump from canceling Radio Free Europe, handing embattled broadcasters a lifeline

One of the international broadcasters targeted for termination by President Donald Trump has been granted a reprieve by a federal judge.

One of the international broadcasters targeted for termination by President Donald Trump has been granted a reprieve by a federal judge. US District Judge Royce C. Lamberth has granted Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s request for a temporary restraining order that will help the broadcaster stay on the air and online for the time being. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty filed suit last week to contest Trump’s shutdown order, claiming it “would violate the Constitution and federal laws.” Judge Lamberth heard arguments on Monday. Just before the hearing, the Trump administration agreed to pay what it owes Radio Free Europe for the first half of March. But it continued to defend the termination order that took effect March 15. “We’re confident the law is on our side as the US Constitution grants Congress the exclusive power of the purse,” Radio Free Europe CEO Stephen Capus said in a statement after the hearing. “It is unlawful to deny us the funds that Congress has already appropriated to RFE/RL for the rest of this fiscal year.” Judge Lamberth signaled agreement in his restraining order against the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM for short) on Tuesday.