Trump Taps Kari Lake to Lead Voice of America Amid Loyalist Appointments

President-elect Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Kari Lake will head Voice of America, the congressionally funded broadcaster providing independent news to international audiences.

Lake, a staunch Trump ally and former Arizona gubernatorial and Senate candidate, is known for her hardline stance on immigration and her career as a Phoenix TV news anchor. She left journalism in 2021 after controversial social media posts, including sharing COVID-19 misinformation, and soon launched a polarizing political career.

Lake’s Loyalty to Trump

Lake built a national profile by echoing Trump’s rhetoric, including unsubstantiated claims of election fraud. She has never conceded her 2022 gubernatorial loss and was defeated by a larger margin in her Senate bid last month.

Her alignment with Trump’s messaging reportedly made her a contender for the vice-presidential slot before Trump selected JD Vance.

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Voice of America and Trump

Trump has previously criticized Voice of America, claiming in 2020 that its coverage was “disgusting toward our country.” His administration objected to VOA’s reporting on the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, accusing it of promoting narratives from authoritarian regimes.

Founded during World War II, VOA is mandated by its congressional charter to provide independent and objective news. The broadcaster defended its reporting in response to Trump’s critiques.

The Biden administration removed several Trump-aligned officials from VOA in 2021, citing concerns over the outlet’s independence.

Additional Diplomatic Picks

Trump also announced several other appointments on Wednesday, including:

• Leandro Rizzuto as U.S. ambassador to the Organization of American States.
• Dan Newlin, a Florida personal injury attorney, as ambassador to Colombia.
• Peter Lamelas, a physician and urgent care chain founder, as ambassador to Argentina. Lamelas is a prominent donor to Trump and other Republican campaigns.

Trump’s choices highlight his preference for loyalists as he prepares to take office. Lake’s leadership at VOA is expected to draw scrutiny given her controversial past and commitment to Trump’s platform.