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Radio Free Asia v. United States of America

No. 1:25-cv-00907 District · Active Active
Court
D.D.C.
dcd
Judge
Royce C. Lamberth 40
Filed
Mar 27, 2025
Judge (CL)
Royce C. Lamberth 40
Filed (CL)
Mar 27, 2025
CL Status
active

Case Overview

Radio Free Asia sued the Trump administration over U.S. Agency for Global Media's decision to freeze congressionally appropriated funds and to terminate RFA's grant.


The Application

History

Radio Free Asia received funds through a congressionally appropriated USAGM grant. The Trump administration's decision to freeze those funds and terminate RFA's grant constitutes a potential impoundment of appropriated funds without Congressional approval, raising questions about whether USAGM possessed statutory authority to take such action.

The Conclusion

The case remains active in D.C. District Court under Judge Royce C. Lamberth. The resolution will determine whether the executive freeze and grant termination violated the Impoundment Control Act or exceeded USAGM's delegated authority.

Federal Court TMR-e3d80703 Radio Free Asia Funding Freeze May 18, 2026

Case Analysis

Overview

Radio Free Asia sued the Trump administration over U.S. Agency for Global Media's decision to freeze congressionally appropriated funds and to terminate RFA's grant.

Issue

Whether the Executive Branch, through the U.S. Agency for Global Media, has constitutional and statutory authority to freeze congressionally appropriated funds and terminate a grant to Radio Free Asia without Congressional approval.

Rule

The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 prohibits the President from withholding appropriated funds without Congressional authorization. Congress retains the power of the purse under Article I of the Constitution, and executive agencies may only exercise authority expressly or implicitly delegated by Congress.

Analysis

Radio Free Asia received funds through a congressionally appropriated USAGM grant. The Trump administration's decision to freeze those funds and terminate RFA's grant constitutes a potential impoundment of appropriated funds without Congressional approval, raising questions about whether USAGM possessed statutory authority to take such action.

Conclusion

The case remains active in D.C. District Court under Judge Royce C. Lamberth. The resolution will determine whether the executive freeze and grant termination violated the Impoundment Control Act or exceeded USAGM's delegated authority.

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