President-elect Donald Trump announced Kari Lake as his choice for the Director of Voice of America (VOA). The appointment faces several procedural hurdles before implementation.
Constitutional Framework and Appointment Process
The appointment process involves more than presidential designation. A bipartisan International Broadcasting Advisory Board must approve VOA director appointments by majority vote, a safeguard established after controversies during Trump’s first term.
“I welcome a smooth transition of power for both USAGM and VOA. I intend to cooperate with the new administration and follow the process put in place for the appointment of the Director of VOA,” said current director Michael Abramowitz, a former Washington Post correspondent.
Lake’s Background and Media Stance
Lake, a former television news anchor, lost both Arizona gubernatorial and Senate races. Her stance on journalism has drawn scrutiny – she has called journalists “monsters” and advocated to “defund the press.”
Trump announced on Truth Social that Lake “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.”
Lake responded on, X: “Under my leadership, the VOA will excel in its mission: chronicling America’s achievements worldwide.” This statement contrasts with VOA’s stated mission of “providing comprehensive coverage of the news and telling audiences the truth.”
https://x.com/KariLake/status/1867049639800868970
Similar Posts
Historical Context and Concerns
During Trump’s first administration, his appointee Michael Pack’s tenure led to:
- Dismissal of multiple network heads
- Installation of Trump loyalists on boards
- Alleged interference in news coverage
- Investigation of a VOA White House reporter for supposed anti-Trump bias
- 30+ whistleblower complaints
- Federal investigation revealing numerous cases of abuse
Dr. Kate Wright, University of Edinburgh senior lecturer and VOA expert, warns: “The laws meant to prevent the network from targeting U.S. citizens are very hard to enforce in practice. So if the network is captured by an administration with authoritarian leanings, then you have a problem.”
VOA’s Global Impact
VOA reaches 326 million people weekly. The network operates under a “firewall” prohibiting U.S. government interference in news reporting.
Procedural Steps
The board’s makeup will tilt in the GOP’s favor next year because one member will come from Trump’s State Department. Before Lake can assume the role, Trump must first announce his choice for head of the U.S. Agency of Global Media.
Board chair Kenneth Jarin, a Biden appointee with two years remaining, declined comment on the announcement.
Current VOA employees, speaking anonymously, expressed concern about Lake’s potential leadership while noting Abramowitz’s positive reception within the organization.
