'I Am Honored': Trump Taps Kari Lake for Huge Position Where She Can Shine
President-elect Donald Trump has made yet another impactful choice for his incoming administration.
On Wednesday, Trump announced via Truth Social that Kari Lake would take on the role of Director of Voice of America (VOA).
Describing Lake as “a beloved News Anchor in Arizona, which supported me by record margins, for over 20 years,” Trump emphasized her suitability for the position.
The appointment seems like a natural fit for Lake, who transitioned from a distinguished career in journalism to become a notable political figure. Her gubernatorial campaign in Arizona during 2022 and her 2024 Senate race against incumbent Democrat Sen. Ruben Gallego cemented her status as a MAGA favorite.
VOA, founded in 1942 to combat Nazi propaganda, has grown into a global broadcasting network. Its programs, produced in nearly 50 languages, reach an audience of over 354 million people. Funded by the U.S. Agency for Global Media, VOA is tasked with providing “accurate, objective, and comprehensive” reporting, according to its charter.
Trump has previously voiced concerns about VOA’s direction, calling its coverage “disgusting toward our country” in a 2020 statement. President Joe Biden’s administration removed several Trump-era appointees from VOA, signaling a shift in its approach. Now, with Lake at the helm, Trump appears intent on revamping the organization to better represent the nation’s interests.
In response to her selection, Lake shared her enthusiasm on social media, saying, “I am honored.” She praised VOA’s mission as “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.”
Lake’s appointment has been met with applause from her supporters, who see her as uniquely equipped to tackle the challenges of global broadcasting. Her 20 years in journalism give her a deep understanding of how media narratives can shape public perception, particularly in an age of widespread misinformation.
Often referred to as “Trump in heels” for her no-nonsense approach, Lake has built a reputation for fearlessly challenging the mainstream media’s biases. In a memorable moment at the 2023 Iowa State Fair, she humorously confronted reporters by asking a New York Times journalist, “You know there’s only two genders, right?” She followed up with a cheeky challenge, suggesting reporters try milking a cow — and then a bull — to test their hands-on expertise.
While not every Trump appointee has been celebrated, Lake’s appointment signals a commitment to bringing tenacious and dedicated individuals into key roles. Her leadership of VOA offers renewed hope for enhancing the way America communicates its values and principles to the world.