Kari Lake, a prominent ally of Donald Trump, has been appointed to lead Voice of America (VOA), a renowned government-funded global news outlet. Trump announced this decision on his Truth Social platform, stating that Lake would work closely with the next head of the US Agency for Global Media, which manages all non-military international broadcasting for the United States. A candidate for this leadership position will be revealed soon.
Lake, who previously served as a news anchor before entering politics, gained national attention after pursuing unsuccessful bids for both a Senate seat and the governorship of Arizona in 2021. Known for her strong support of Trump and her outspoken criticisms of the media, Lake has characterized journalists as “monsters” and has been vocal in her distrust of election results, including her own gubernatorial defeat.
In a statement on social media, Lake expressed her gratitude for the appointment, promising that under her leadership, VOA would effectively showcase America’s global achievements and uphold the values of freedom and liberty.
With a budget of $267.5 million and over 2,000 employees, VOA broadcasts in nearly 50 languages, reaching over 326 million people weekly, and it has a charter that ensures the integrity and independence of its news content. However, Lake’s appointment has raised concerns among some observers who highlight her previous remarks about the press and her controversial political style.
During Trump’s first term, he often criticized VOA, claiming it failed to represent American values, leading to previous appointments that faced legal challenges regarding the independence of the outlet. Trump’s choice of Lake signals a potential shift in the agency’s direction, as it aligns with his broader attempts to reshape media narratives.
In addition to Lake’s appointment, Trump has also announced several other appointments, including a new ambassador to Colombia and Argentina, which reflect his continued influence in shaping government positions.
This appointment could mark a pivotal moment for VOA, particularly as it navigates the complexities of American journalism and media relations in a rapidly changing political landscape. There is hope that Lake’s strong leadership could resonate with a diverse audience, emphasizing the importance of American perspectives on global issues while addressing concerns over press independence and credibility.