Trump picks election-skeptic Lake to run global news
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Former President Donald Trump announced his selection of Kari Lake to lead Voice of America, choosing a devoted supporter who previously made unsuccessful bids for Arizona’s governorship and Senate position to oversee the government-funded international news organization.
Before entering politics in 2021, Lake spent nearly 30 years as a Phoenix news anchor. Her meteoric rise in the political sphere came as she cultivated a national presence through confrontations with media representatives and joined Trump in denouncing what they termed “fake news.”
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.
With an… pic.twitter.com/UWVdPeF6Ye
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) December 12, 2024
Lake’s unwavering skepticism about election results particularly impressed Trump, who reportedly contemplated her as a potential vice presidential candidate before ultimately selecting JD Vance.
Previously, Trump expressed strong disapproval of Voice of America, declaring in 2020 that “things they say are disgusting toward our country.”
The organization faced additional scrutiny during Trump’s presidency over its COVID-19 coverage, with White House officials alleging it used taxpayer funds “to speak for authoritarian regimes” when reporting on Wuhan’s lockdown lifting.
Established during World War II, VOA operates under a congressional mandate to deliver independent news coverage to global audiences. The organization defended its reporting in response to Trump’s criticisms.
Brian Stelter is VERY upset that Kari Lake has been tapped by Trump to lead Voice of America… pic.twitter.com/WhtNZTY4s9
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) December 12, 2024
When President Biden assumed office in January 2021, his administration promptly dismissed several Trump-aligned senior officials from VOA and related positions.
In related appointments, Trump named Leandro Rizzuto as his pick for U.S. ambassador to the Organization of American States in Washington, and selected Florida personal injury lawyer Dan Newlin for ambassador to Colombia.
Additionally, Trump designated Peter Lamelas, founder of a major Florida urgent care company and significant Republican campaign contributor, as U.S. ambassador to Argentina.
