Donald Trump Appoints Kari Lake to Lead Voice of America
In a move highlighting his preference for loyal allies, President-elect Donald Trump has selected Kari Lake to helm Voice of America. Lake, known for her tough stance on immigration and previous career as a Phoenix news anchor, will now lead the congressionally funded broadcaster known for delivering independent news globally.
Lake’s transition from a nearly three-decade television career to politics came after her departure in 2021, following contentious social media posts, including COVID-19 misinformation. Her political career quickly gained momentum as she became known for her sharp critiques of the media, often reflecting Trump’s rhetoric about “fake news.”
Trump, in a statement, emphasized Lake’s role in promoting American values worldwide, stating she would operate under the guidance of the head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media in his upcoming administration. “She will 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,” Trump asserted.
Trump has previously expressed dissatisfaction with Voice of America, criticizing its content as unfavorable to the United States. During his first term, the broadcaster faced backlash from the White House for its coverage of Wuhan’s lockdown lift during the coronavirus outbreak. This led to accusations in the “1600 Daily” email summary of its alignment with authoritarian regimes.
Voice of America, established in World War II, is mandated by Congress to provide unbiased news to international audiences, a mission it has defended against Trump’s critiques. Following President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021, his administration promptly replaced several Trump-affiliated senior officials within VOA.
Lake’s political loyalty to Trump has been unwavering, notably through her advocacy of the unsubstantiated claim of election fraud affecting both her and Trump. Despite her defeat in the Arizona gubernatorial race, she has continued to claim the title of “lawful governor,” as stated in her book “Unafraid: Just Getting Started.”
Her persistence in contesting the election results extended into her unsuccessful Senate run, which concluded with a more significant loss. Despite attempts to modulate her stance on divisive subjects such as election fraud and abortion, she struggled to maintain a consistent message. Trump had also considered her as a potential vice-presidential candidate before opting for JD Vance.
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