President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Kari Lake, a former television news anchor who has previously run for Senate and governor in Arizona, will be appointed as the new Director of the Voice of America. In his statement, Trump expressed his satisfaction with the choice, emphasizing her role in promoting American values of freedom and liberty through international broadcasting. He mentioned that Lake will collaborate closely with the future head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, a position yet to be filled, to ensure that news broadcasts are fair and accurate, contrasting them with what he termed the “Fake News Media.”
Lake’s political journey has seen her lose the recent Arizona Senate race to Democratic Representative Ruben Gallego, receiving 47.7 percent of the votes compared to Gallego’s 50.1 percent. This followed her earlier unsuccessful bid for the governorship in 2022. Trump’s support remains strong in Arizona, as he secured 52.2 percent of the votes in the last election cycle.
The appointment signifies a potential shift in how the Trump administration aims to influence Voice of America, which is responsible for delivering U.S. news to areas with restricted media coverage. The prior Trump administration faced bipartisan criticism regarding the U.S. Agency for Global Media under CEO Michael Pack, as concerns arose regarding efforts that appeared to prioritize politically favorable content.
Notably, Lake’s political career has been marred by her public questioning of election results, including her own losses and Trump’s defeat in the 2020 election. A post-election survey indicated that her claims regarding election integrity might have contributed to her negative approval ratings in Arizona, where she had a 53 percent disapproval rate, a stark contrast to Trump’s resilient support.
This appointment highlights the complexities of media representation and the role of political figures in shaping narratives within international broadcasting. Kari Lake’s position offers her an opportunity to redirect her narrative and public perception while navigating the challenging landscape of media credibility and global communication.
As this development unfolds, it remains to be seen how effective Lake will be in fulfilling her new role and whether her past controversies will impact her effectiveness in promoting transparent and reliable news coverage. The appointment serves as a reminder of the significance of media in fostering understanding in a world filled with diverse narratives.