Update: On Friday March 28, RFE/RL said it was still awaiting the promised funds described below. “Until then, we will pursue all necessary legal remedies to ensure that Congressional intent is respected,” it said in a release.
The U.S. Agency for Global Media has rescinded its letter terminating RFE/RL’s grant agreement for fiscal 2025. “The agreement is therefore back in effect,” RFE/RL said in a press release.
According to the website The Hill, the Trump administration restored funding for both Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and the Open Technology Fund after the groups sued. The Hill reports that the judge will hold a hearing Monday if the agreement falls through.
RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus said in its release on Thursday, “This is an encouraging sign that RFE/RL’s operations will be able to continue, as Congress intended. We await official confirmation from USAGM that grant funding will promptly resume based on the intention expressed in last night’s letter. We are eager to speak directly with USAGM leadership about the extraordinary and cost-effective work that RFE/RL performs for the American people.
“This is not the time for RFE/RL to go silent. Millions of people rely on us for factual information in places where censorship is widespread. We must not cede ground to our adversaries at a time when threats to America are on the rise.”
The notification follows a ruling this week by a U.S. District Court judge imposing a temporary restraining order on USAGM over its termination of congressionally appropriated funding. RFE/RL had brought suit against the agency, Acting CEO Victor Morales and Senior Advisor Kari Lake.
USAGM has not replied to Radio World requests for comment.
