Leadership Restructuring at USAGM
On Thursday, President Donald Trump took steps to stabilize the leadership at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) by appointing Sarah B. Rogers, a State Department official, as the new CEO of the agency.
This move follows a recent ruling from a federal judge who determined that Kari Lake, a former gubernatorial candidate in Arizona and close ally of Trump, had been unlawfully leading the agency.
Rogers expressed her commitment on social media, stating, “President Trump ordered me to right-size the taxpayer-funded global media agency @USAGM. We were so effective last year that the deep state has done everything it can to stop us, including filing malicious lawsuits against me and the agency.” She also mentioned her determination to work alongside Deputy Secretary Rigas, emphasizing a focus on accountability and transparency within government agencies.
As of now, Lake holds the position of senior advisor at USAGM. The leadership changes were prompted by a ruling from U.S. District Judge Lois C. Lamberth, which concluded that Lake’s role as “acting” director violated legal statutes regarding federal appointments.
In her detailed 17-page opinion, Judge Lamberth criticized the administration’s handling of the Voice of America and other government-funded international broadcasters. Her ruling effectively voided all official actions taken by Lake between July and November 2025, creating a legal gap that impacts numerous governmental functions.
The implications of this ruling are significant, especially concerning Lake’s initiatives to streamline operations—what the Trump administration has framed as a necessary reform, though the courts have challenged its legality. This led to the immediate reversal of hundreds of layoffs, affecting over 1,000 state employees who are now required to be reinstated into roles that may have already been altered or eliminated.
This reinstatement process poses logistical and financial challenges for agencies, which face responsibilities for back pay, benefits, and possible legal repercussions. The court’s ruling effectively halts any actions taken under Lake’s leadership, leaving uncertainty about the future of her policy agenda.
Furthermore, the judge mandated that the White House develop a legal succession plan, indicating that the agency should not remain under the management of someone who bypassed the Senate confirmation process.
About Sarah Rogers
Currently, Sarah Rogers is the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy. If she is confirmed by the Senate, she will oversee both her current and new roles, which the State Department believes will enhance the connection between U.S. public diplomacy efforts and international broadcasting.
Before her tenure at the State Department, Rogers practiced law, representing various clients, including the National Rifle Association. Since joining the department in October 2025, she has advocated for free speech, particularly criticizing some Western European nations for what she perceives as restrictions on language related to online content moderation.
While Rogers awaits a potentially contentious confirmation process, Michael Rigas has been appointed as the interim CEO.
