Trump Loyalist Appointed to Lead Voice of America
In a significant move reflecting his administration's priorities, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Kari Lake, a former television anchor and staunch supporter, as the new head of the Voice of America (VOA). Lake is known for her controversial stance on the 2020 election, where she has consistently denied the legitimacy of Joe Biden's victory. Trump announced her appointment via his Truth Social platform, expressing confidence in her ability to lead the public media outlet.
Lake expressed her gratitude for the appointment, stating, "I am honored that President Trump has asked me to lead the Voice of America. @VOANews is a vital international media outlet dedicated to advancing the interests of the United States by engaging directly with people across the globe and promoting democracy and truth." Her role will involve ensuring that American values are broadcast globally, countering what she describes as misinformation from the mainstream media.
Background on Kari Lake
Kari Lake has been a prominent figure in Trumpism, having previously run for governor of Arizona in 2022 and for the Senate in 2024, both of which ended in defeat. Despite these setbacks, she remains a vocal advocate for Trump, refusing to acknowledge the results of the 2020 election and alleging electoral fraud without evidence. Her appointment to VOA raises questions about the potential for political influence over the outlet, which has historically been funded by the U.S. government to provide unbiased news coverage in multiple languages, including Dari, Somali, and French.
Concerns Over Political Interference
The appointment of Lake comes amidst ongoing concerns regarding political interference in public media. Michael Pack, a former director of the U.S. Agency for Global Media appointed by Trump, previously sought to dismantle protections against political bias within VOA's newsroom. Additionally, a VOA journalist faced scrutiny for alleged anti-Trump bias during the former president's first term. As Lake takes the helm, observers will be watching closely to see how her leadership impacts the integrity and impartiality of VOA's reporting.
