President-elect Donald Trump was widely criticized after sharing on Truth Social that he's appointing loyalist Kari Lake to be the head of the Voice of America (VOA) broadcast agency, while slamming the "Fake News Media."
Trump said that Lake, a former news anchor who lost two Arizona statewide election campaigns and has continually spread election conspiracy theories, would “ensure that the American values of Freedom and Liberty are broadcast around the World FAIRLY and ACCURATELY, unlike the lies spread by the Fake News Media."
He said:
"I am pleased to announce that Kari Lake will serve as our next Director of the Voice of America."
"She will be appointed by, and work closely with, our next head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, who I will announce soon, to ensure that the American values of Freedom and Liberty are broadcast around the World FAIRLY and ACCURATELY, unlike the lies spread by the Fake News Media."
"Kari was a beloved News Anchor in Arizona, which supported me by record margins, for over 20 years. Congratulations Kari!"
You can see his post below.
@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social
VOA, part of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, operates alongside networks like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Middle East Broadcasting Networks. Known for its award-winning journalism, VOA promotes democratic values worldwide.
Historically, the U.S. government has positioned VOA as a counterbalance to foreign propaganda and a standard-bearer for free, impartial, and truthful news coverage.
To maintain its journalistic integrity, VOA operates under a “firewall” that “prohibits interference by any U.S. government official in the objective, independent reporting of news.”
Lake thanked Trump in a post on X, formerly Twitter:
"I am honored that President Trump has asked me to lead the Voice of America. [VOA] 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."
"With an audience of 326 million people, Voice of America delivers information in 48 languages. Under my leadership, the VOA will excel in its mission: chronicling America’s achievements worldwide."
"Thank you for putting your trust in me, President Trump. I look forward to leading the Voice of America, and I can’t wait to get started."
You can see her post below.
But given Lake's anti-democratic views and alignment with an administration that has promised to go after perceived enemies, many noted she'd transform VOA into little more than a mouthpiece for the second Trump administration.
Appointing a new director for this news operation involves far more complexity than a Truth Social post might suggest but Trump's appointment of Lake is still a concerning one.
During Trump’s first term, it took two years for his nominee, Michael Pack, to secure Senate confirmation as head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
Once in office, Pack’s tenure unleashed turbulence across VOA and its affiliated networks. He ousted network leaders, populated their boards with fervent Trump loyalists, allegedly meddled in editorial decisions, and installed political appointees who scrutinized a VOA White House reporter for supposed anti-Trump bias.
While some conservatives praised Pack’s actions, a federal investigation later substantiated whistleblower complaints, uncovering extensive misconduct. The findings included firing employees over perceived political beliefs, violating laws and regulations, and "gross mismanagement."
