"Lake, a former local news anchor-turned-failed political candidate in Arizona, has effectively tried to gut USAGM since Donald Trump selected her to run the agency this year.

Lake and the Trump administration had been moving forward with plans to lay off the VOA employees " in defiance of a court-ordered demand that the agency comply with established processes to carry out the cuts.

In light of that, U.S. District Judge Royce Lambert found himself in a scenario similar to that of the judges who oversaw Lake's dubious election-related lawsuits as a candidate: having to take her to task. The Reagan appointee's ruling blocked the firings for now and described Lake's actions as potential contempt of court:

The Court must offer an observation on the concerning disrespect the defendants have shown toward the Court's orders since the entry of the preliminary injunction. It is the Court's view that the defendants' disregard for its earlier orders to produce information would more than support a trial on civil contempt.

""

Lambert said Lake's agency was resistant when it was asked to provide information about its plans to fire the employees. He also said that after he handed down his injunction, officials falsely claimed to the court they hadn't made any decisions on job cuts when evidence showed they were already moving forward."

In a statement to The Washington Post, Lake said: "I've seen a huge disrespect' from the district courts toward the Executive Branch and the American people who have voted overwhelmingly to support President Donald J. Trump."

oopsy!! - *best Laura voice