Trump Names Kari Lake as Voice of America Director

In a controversial move, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Kari Lake as the new director of Voice of America (VOA), a congressionally funded broadcaster tasked with delivering independent news to global audiences. Lake, a staunch Trump ally and former television news anchor, has been a polarizing figure in American politics, known for her sharp criticism of mainstream media and unwavering support of Trump’s claims of election fraud.

A Loyalist with a Background in Media

Lake spent nearly three decades as a news anchor in Phoenix, Arizona, before leaving her position in 2021 after making controversial statements on social media, including sharing misinformation about COVID-19 during the pandemic. She launched her political career shortly thereafter, gaining national attention as a vocal critic of what she termed “fake news” and aligning herself closely with Trump’s rhetoric.

In 2022, she ran unsuccessfully for governor of Arizona and later lost a Senate race in 2023. Despite her defeats, Lake has remained a prominent figure in conservative circles, amplifying baseless claims of election fraud. Trump had reportedly considered her as a potential vice-presidential running mate before selecting Senator JD Vance.

Voice of America Under Scrutiny

Trump’s selection of Lake to lead VOA has raised concerns among critics who point to her partisan history and alignment with Trump’s ideology. The VOA, established during World War II, operates under a congressional charter that mandates independent and unbiased reporting. During Trump’s first term, VOA came under fire from the administration, which accused it of using taxpayer funds to “speak for authoritarian regimes” in its coverage of global events, such as the COVID-19 lockdown in Wuhan, China.

Lake’s appointment has reignited debates about the future of the broadcaster and its role in providing credible journalism to international audiences. Her critics worry her leadership could erode VOA’s commitment to impartial reporting, while supporters argue her media background positions her to bring fresh energy to the organization.

Broader Appointments Reflect Trump’s Agenda

The announcement of Lake’s appointment came alongside other high-profile nominations by Trump. Leandro Rizzuto was named as his choice for U.S. ambassador to the Organization of American States, while Dan Newlin, a Florida personal injury attorney, was tapped for the role of ambassador to Colombia. Additionally, Trump selected Peter Lamelas, a physician and prominent donor, as ambassador to Argentina.

These picks reflect Trump’s continued reliance on loyalists and donors for key diplomatic and administrative positions, a hallmark of his leadership style.

A New Chapter for VOA?

Lake’s leadership will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of VOA’s coverage and operations in the coming years. As she prepares to take the helm, questions linger about how her tenure will align with the broadcaster’s mission of independent journalism. For now, her appointment signals another chapter in the reshaping of U.S. institutions under Trump’s influence.