Trump administration appointments/ Kari Lake Voice of America/ VOA director/ US global media policy/ Trump allies in media/ WASHINGTON/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President-elect Donald Trump announced Kari Lake as his choice to lead Voice of America, the congressionally funded broadcaster known for delivering independent news globally. Lake, a former Arizona gubernatorial candidate and staunch Trump ally, has been critical of “fake news” and supports a hardline immigration stance. She will work under the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
Key Points on Kari Lake’s Appointment
- Role and Background: Former news anchor and Arizona political candidate Kari Lake to head Voice of America.
- Trump’s Statement: Lake will ensure “American values of Freedom and Liberty” are broadcast fairly and accurately.
- Past VOA Criticism: Trump criticized VOA during his first term for alleged bias in its pandemic and international reporting.
- Political Ties: Lake is a staunch supporter of Trump’s claims of election fraud.
- Additional Appointments: Trump named Leandro Rizzuto, Dan Newlin, and Peter Lamelas to key ambassador roles.
Trump Picks Immigration Hard-Liner Kari Lake as Head of Voice of America
Deep Look
Kari Lake’s Selection as VOA Director
President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Kari Lake, a staunch ally and immigration hard-liner, to lead Voice of America (VOA). The appointment places Lake, a former Arizona gubernatorial and Senate candidate, at the helm of the U.S.-funded international broadcaster, tasked with delivering independent news to global audiences.
Lake’s career began as a television anchor in Phoenix, where she gained recognition for her engaging communication style. She transitioned to politics in 2021, building a national profile with sharp critiques of the media, which she labeled as “fake news.” Her alignment with Trump solidified through her vocal support for election fraud claims.
“She will ensure that the American values of Freedom and Liberty are broadcast around the World FAIRLY and ACCURATELY,” Trump said in his announcement.
Voice of America’s Legacy and Trump’s Criticisms
Founded during World War II, VOA operates under a congressional charter requiring it to provide unbiased and independent news to international audiences. During Trump’s first term, the broadcaster faced criticism for its coverage, particularly its reporting on China during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020, the Trump administration accused VOA of using taxpayer funds to promote authoritarian regimes, a claim stemming from its coverage of Wuhan’s post-lockdown recovery. Biden’s administration later replaced several Trump-aligned officials at VOA.
Lake’s appointment signals a potential shift in VOA’s operations, aligning with Trump’s broader media and foreign policy vision.
Lake’s Political History and Alignment with Trump
Lake’s political career has been marked by her strong ties to Trump’s platform, including claims of election fraud. After losing the 2022 Arizona governor’s race, Lake continued to challenge the results, calling herself the “lawful governor.”
Despite losing a 2024 Senate bid, Trump considered Lake as a potential vice-presidential candidate before selecting JD Vance. Her loyalty to Trump and her media experience were key factors in her selection for this role.
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