Former news anchor Kari Lake, a trusted ally of Donald Trump, has been chosen to lead Voice of America (VOA). The announcement was made by Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he indicated that Lake would work closely with the upcoming head of the US Agency for Global Media, the organization responsible for overseeing non-military international broadcasting by the US government.
Kari Lake transitioned from her role as a local Fox News anchor in Phoenix to pursue political endeavors, including bids for both the U.S. Senate and Arizona governor. During her campaign, she gained notoriety for her staunch support of Trump’s claim regarding the 2020 presidential election, frequently dismissing the legitimacy of its results. Following her electoral losses, Lake has continued to espouse claims of election fraud and has faced extensive legal challenges.
In his announcement, Trump expressed confidence in Lake’s ability to promote “American values of Freedom and Liberty” through VOA’s platform. Lake expressed gratitude for the trust bestowed upon her, emphasizing her commitment to enhancing the organization’s mission of showcasing America’s global achievements.
Voice of America boasts a significant budget of approximately $267.5 million and employs over 2,000 staff members. Established in 1942, the agency’s commitment to editorial independence allows it to reach over 326 million people weekly through broadcasts in nearly 50 languages.
Trump’s previous criticisms of VOA, particularly during his first term, raised concerns regarding potential bias within the organization. His previous appointee to oversee the agency faced accusations of transforming VOA into a partisan outlet, leading to legal disputes over First Amendment rights.
Experts believe Lake’s appointment may signal a shift in the agency’s approach, with concerns about her previous contentious remarks on the press resonating among critics. Currently, Michael Abramowitz holds the position as VOA’s director, known for his background as a journalist and member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
In addition to Lake’s appointment, Trump revealed other nominations, including Dan Newlin as ambassador to Colombia and Peter Lamelas as ambassador to Argentina.
This decision reflects a broader strategy to align media representation with the values Lake and Trump promote. Moving forward, her leadership may redefine VOA’s voice on the global stage while reigniting conversations about the role of independent journalism. A positive outcome could emerge if Lake uses her platform to foster constructive dialogue and highlight American democratic values while maintaining the integrity of press freedom.