President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday night that Kari Lake, a former television news anchor with previous unsuccessful campaigns for the Senate and governor in Arizona, will be appointed to lead the Voice of America (VOA). In his statement, Trump expressed his satisfaction with the choice, stating, “I am pleased to announce that Kari Lake will serve as our next Director of the Voice of America.” He emphasized that she would collaborate closely with the upcoming head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, a position he intends to reveal soon, to ensure that American values of freedom and liberty are communicated globally with fairness and accuracy, contrasting it with what he termed the deceit of the “Fake News Media.”
Kari Lake’s political journey included a loss in Arizona’s Senate race this year, where she garnered 47.7 percent of the vote against Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego, who secured 50.1 percent. Despite her defeat, Lake’s candidacy drew significant attention, particularly as Trump won the state with 52.2 percent. Her appointment signals the Trump administration’s plans to reassert its influence over the VOA, which is tasked with providing international news coverage in regions where media censorship exists.
During Trump’s previous administration, the U.S. Agency for Global Media, then led by CEO Michael Pack, faced bipartisan backlash over actions perceived as detrimental to U.S. global media services’ mission. Critics pointed to initiatives that seemed to require the dissemination of content favoring the Trump administration.
Lake’s political history is marked not only by her recent electoral defeats but also by her public stance on election results. She has repeatedly challenged the outcomes of both her 2022 loss and Trump’s 2020 defeat. Polling data indicated that her reputation has suffered, with a notable 53 percent disapproval rating among voters, largely attributed to her controversial election denial claims. Mike Noble, head of Noble Predictive Insights, commented on the stark contrast in impact, noting that Lake’s refusal to accept election results appeared to have a significantly negative effect on her standing.
This announcement reflects a continuation of a narrative driven by the current administration regarding media accountability and the role of governmental media services. As the new administration takes shape, it remains to be seen how these developments will influence international perception and the overall effectiveness of America’s media outreach internationally.
In summary, Trump’s choice of Kari Lake for the VOA director position showcases a strategic move to shape the narrative of U.S. media globally, potentially overlooking the controversies surrounding her recent political track record. This may pave the way for a more direct approach in broadcasting American values abroad, even amid challenges. The upcoming months will be crucial in understanding how this leadership will affect global perceptions of American media and values.