President-elect Donald Trump has named Kari Lake, a former TV anchor turned politician, as the next director of Voice of America (VOA), the U.S. government’s international broadcaster.
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, expressing confidence in Lake’s leadership to oversee the agency.
“I am pleased to announce that Kari Lake will serve as our next Director of the Voice of America,” Trump shared, emphasizing that Lake would work alongside the incoming head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
The appointment aims to ensure VOA broadcasts “Freedom and Liberty” worldwide, contrasting it with the “Fake News Media.”
Trump also praised Lake’s long career as a beloved news anchor in Arizona, a state that supported him with overwhelming margins in the past election.
Mixed Reactions from Political Sides
The announcement was met with enthusiasm from Trump’s supporters but sparked strong opposition from many Democrats.
Criticism poured in on platforms like BlueSky, where the Get More Smarter podcast, which focuses on Colorado politics, questioned the move.
“He’s really gonna make Kari Lake chief international propaganda minister holy s***,” they wrote, mocking the appointment.
David Schwartz, a former executive committee member of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, also voiced concern, saying, “Putting Kari Lake in charge to monitor fake news is like putting a cat to watch over mice.”
He further pointed out that the current VOA director, Michael Abramowitz, may not be easily replaced, hinting at potential internal challenges.
Lake Responds to Critics
Kari Lake responded to the backlash by posting on X, expressing her honor at being asked to lead VOA.
She highlighted the significance of the organization in promoting U.S. interests and democracy globally.
Lake made it clear that under her leadership, VOA would continue to chronicle America’s achievements for a vast international audience.
“Voice of America is a vital international media outlet dedicated to advancing the interests of the United States,” she stated, pledging to carry out its mission with excellence.
She also thanked President Trump for placing his trust in her and shared her excitement to take on the role.
What’s Next for Lake and VOA?
Lake’s new position will require her to relocate to Washington, D.C., where she will oversee VOA’s daily operations.
The agency, with nearly 1,000 employees and a 2023 budget of around $267 million, reaches an audience of 326 million people across all platforms.
VOA is a key component of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, a critical organization responsible for broadcasting American values around the world.
As she steps into this high-profile role, Lake’s appointment will undoubtedly continue to spark debate, with supporters and critics alike watching closely to see how she will lead VOA in the years ahead.
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