A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore all jobs and funding for the Voice of America and other US-backed news outlets, ruling that efforts to dismantle it violated the law and Constitution.

Over 1,300 VOA employees, including about 1,000 journalists, were placed on leave following President Donald Trump’s order. The White House has accused the broadcaster of being “anti-Trump” and “radical”.

VOA, still primarily a radio service, was set up during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda, and has become a major global media broadcaster.

The ruling noted that because of the cuts, “VOA is not reporting the news for the first time in its 80-year existence”.

Judge Royce Lamberth said the administration acted “without regard to the harm inflicted on employees, contractors, journalists, and media consumers around the world”.

He ordered the administration to take steps to restore employees and contractors to the jobs they had prior to the executive order, and to do the same for Radio Free Asia and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks.

The judge found the administration also likely violated the International Broadcasting Act and Congress’ power to appropriate funding.

“My colleagues and I are grateful for this ruling. But we know that this is just a small step forward, as the government is likely to appeal,” said Patsy Widakuswara, the VOA White House bureau chief and a lead plaintiff in the lawsuit.

“We are committed to continuing to fight against what we believe is the administration’s unlawful silencing of VOA until we can return to our congressional mandate: to tell America’s stories with factual, balanced, and comprehensive, reporting,” she said.

Trump has long criticised VOA as part of his broader attacks against the media, frequently accusing mainstream outlets of bias.

After taking office in January, he appointed a political ally, Kari Lake, to run VOA. Lake has previously supported Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him.

In March, Trump ordered the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA and funds outlets like Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia, to be “eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law”.

A separate judge in New York temporarily blocked the executive order after journalists, advocacy groups and unions sued, arguing the move was unlawful.

Judge Lamberth, who is based in Washington, DC, ruled the Trump administration lacked the authority to shutter VOA, which is funded by Congress and has a legislative mandate to deliver credible news globally.

“It is hard to fathom a more straightforward display of arbitrary and capricious actions than the Defendants’ actions here,” he wrote.

“Even though several courts have ruled that the President can remove personnel and terminate grants, a radical district judge is once again attempting to interfere with the Trump Administration’s efforts to make the government more efficient,” White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in a statement.

USAGM did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The world stood still on April 21, 2025, as the Vatican officially confirmed the death of Pope Francis, aged 88. His passing marked the end of a historic papacy and triggered an outpouring of grief across continents. Numerous nations, especially those with significant Catholic populations, declared national mourning periods to honor the pontiff’s life, spiritual leadership, and global influence.

From Latin America to Europe, Asia, and Africa, countries initiated solemn observances, lowered national flags to half-mast, and held public commemorations. This article highlights the full list of countries that declared national mourning in memory of Pope Francis.

Why Pope Francis’s Death Resonated Globally

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the first Jesuit and the first Latin American pope in the history of the Catholic Church. Since his election in 2013, he championed issues such as poverty alleviation, climate action, interfaith dialogue, and social justice, making him a spiritual leader not just for Catholics, but for people of all faiths.

His legacy transcended religious boundaries, prompting state-led tributes even in non-Catholic majority nations.

List of Countries That Declared National Mourning for Pope Francis
Below is a country-by-country breakdown of declared national mourning periods:

Global Religious and Political Reactions

World leaders, religious figures, and citizens across continents expressed grief and paid glowing tributes to Pope Francis’s legacy. The United Nations, European Union, and African Union all issued statements acknowledging his contributions to world peace, interreligious harmony, and humanitarian service.

In cities like Manila, Rome, Buenos Aires, and Lagos, candlelight vigils were held. Cathedrals rang their bells in synchronized tribute, while mosques and temples also joined in interfaith memorial services.

Pope Francis’s death has left a void in the global religious and moral conscience. His efforts to promote compassion, inclusiveness, and humility in leadership will continue to inspire generations to come.

While the Vatican prepares for a papal conclave to elect a successor, the world continues to reflect on the lessons and legacy of a pope who bridged faith and humanity in unprecedented ways.

The widespread declaration of national mourning in countries around the world highlights just how impactful Pope Francis was—not only to Catholics but to people of all beliefs. His death marks the end of a deeply influential era in the Church’s history.

May his soul rest in peace.

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, Most Rev Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, has made a strong case for Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson to become the next leader of the Catholic Church.

According to him, the Ghanaian Cardinal, who is currently the Chancellor of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences and Social Sciences at the Vatican, is of the right age and has the requisite experience to be elected Pope.

He said the Church in Ghana will pray for the Cardinal, adding that his becoming Pope would be a great achievement for the country, 3news.com reports.

“But definitely, our Cardinal is also one of the Cardinals. He is of the right age, he’s had enough experience, and if his brother Cardinals think he is the right person, then they will be ready to support him.

“We will support him with our prayers and definitely it will be a great pat on the shoulders of Ghana if that should happen,” he is quoted as saying.

Most Rev Palmer-Buckle, who is the former Archbishop of Accra, however, indicated that the Holy Spirit will guide the Cardinals in choosing the next Pope.

“Let’s leave it to the Holy Spirit to do its work. When Pope Benedict died, about 1.3 billion Catholics all over the world went into prayer, and therefore, I am sure we are all going to go into prayer.

“We are going to go into prayer and we will allow the Lord to indicate who should be the next Pope,” he added.

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, Archbishop Palmer-Buckle’s comments come following the death of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, 2025.

About Pope Francis’ Death:

A number of global media outlets reported the death of the 88-year-old Pope early on Monday.

The Vatican Camerlengo, who is tasked with confirming the Pope’s death, has confirmed his passing.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” Farrell, the Vatican Camerlengo, is quoted as saying by apnews.com.