Kari Lake, a prominent ally of Donald Trump, has been chosen to lead Voice of America (VOA), the federally funded international news outlet. Trump made this announcement via his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that Lake would work closely with the upcoming head of the US Agency for Global Media. He indicated that an announcement regarding this leader would be made soon.
Lake, who left her long-standing career as a news anchor in 2021 to pursue political ambitions, previously made unsuccessful bids for both the Arizona Senate and the governorship. Known for her outspoken criticism of the media, she has labeled journalists as “monsters” and has firmly maintained claims regarding election fraud stemming from the 2020 presidential race.
In her response to the announcement, Lake expressed her honor at being selected, promising that under her leadership, VOA would excel in showcasing America’s achievements globally. She emphasized that she would work to ensure accurate representation of American values of freedom and liberty.
Voice of America, established in 1942, operates with a significant budget of approximately $267.5 million and employs over 2,000 staff members. The agency boasts broadcasts in nearly 50 languages and reaches more than 326 million people worldwide weekly. Its congressional charter safeguards its editorial independence and integrity.
Notably, during Trump’s first term, he was a vocal critic of VOA, previously labeling its content as offensive to the country. His administration saw the appointment of Michael Pack, who faced allegations of transforming VOA into a mouthpiece for pro-Trump propaganda, leading to clashes over First Amendment rights.
Lake’s political career has been marked by a controversial approach, including repeated denials of both the 2020 election results and her own gubernatorial defeat. Political experts are watching closely, with some expressing concern about her attitudes towards a free press.
Additionally, Trump announced other appointments alongside Lake’s, including Dan Newlin as US ambassador to Colombia, and Peter Lamelas as US ambassador to Argentina.
This appointment could potentially reshape the narrative around international reporting and broadcasting from the United States, with a promise of amplifying American narratives globally. While the implications of Lake’s leadership are under debate, her assertive style could bring a new dynamic to a traditionally neutral platform.
For those following the evolution of media in politics, this situation serves as a noteworthy development, illustrating the intersection of media, governance, and public perception.