Kari Lake’s New Role: Impact on Journalism and Diplomacy

Kari Lake, former news anchor and twice-failed political candidate, has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to lead Voice of America, raising questions about the future of U.S. international broadcasting.

At a Glance

President-elect Donald Trump appointed Kari Lake as the new director of Voice of America (VOA).
Lake, a former news anchor and strong Trump supporter, previously ran unsuccessfully for Arizona governor and Senate.
The appointment aims to enforce standards at VOA, which broadcasts in nearly 50 languages.
Republicans have criticized VOA for alleged political bias and management issues.
Lake’s appointment suggests a potential overhaul of VOA’s operations and editorial direction.

Trump Selects Kari Lake to Lead Voice of America

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Kari Lake, a former news anchor and staunch supporter, as the new director of Voice of America (VOA). This decision comes as part of Trump’s efforts to reshape the leadership of U.S. international broadcasting. Lake, who unsuccessfully ran for Arizona governor in 2022 and recently lost a Senate bid, will replace Michael Abramowitz, a former reporter and head of Freedom House.

Trump’s selection of Lake for this crucial role reflects his intent to ensure that VOA, which broadcasts in nearly 50 languages, aligns with his vision of promoting American values globally. The president-elect emphasized the importance of fair and accurate representation of freedom and liberty in international broadcasts.

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 Background and Potential Impact on VOA

Kari Lake brings a unique background to her new role at VOA. As a former television news anchor with over two decades of experience, she has a deep understanding of broadcast journalism. However, her recent forays into politics and her unwavering support for Trump have raised concerns about the potential politicization of VOA’s content.

Lake’s appointment indicates Trump’s desire to address what Republicans have long criticized as political bias and management issues within VOA. The move suggests a potential overhaul of the organization’s operations and editorial direction, which could significantly impact its global reach and reputation for independent journalism.

Challenges and Controversies

The appointment of Kari Lake to lead VOA is not without controversy. Lake has been a vocal critic of the 2020 presidential election results and has claimed election fraud following her own loss in the 2022 Arizona gubernatorial race. These positions have raised concerns about her ability to maintain VOA’s commitment to objective reporting.

It’s worth noting that during Trump’s first term, his administration faced legal challenges when attempting to influence VOA’s editorial independence. A federal judge ruled against such interference, citing a 1994 law that protects VOA’s independent reporting. As Lake prepares to take the helm, questions remain about how she will navigate these legal and ethical boundaries.

The Road Ahead for Voice of America

As Kari Lake steps into her role as director of Voice of America, the international broadcasting community will be watching closely. Her appointment represents a significant shift in leadership and potentially in editorial direction for the organization. While Trump and his supporters view this change as necessary to ensure fair representation of American values, critics worry about the potential erosion of VOA’s journalistic independence.

The success of Lake’s tenure at VOA will likely be measured by her ability to balance the organization’s mission of promoting American values with its commitment to objective journalism. As the voice of America to the world, VOA’s credibility and effectiveness in public diplomacy hang in the balance.