Official VOA policy documents or public statements

Trump Appoints Kari Lake as VOA Director Amid Criticism

Dec 12, 2024, 10:47 AM

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Kari Lake, a former television news anchor and staunch Trump supporter, as the new director of Voice of America (VOA). The appointment aims to ensure that American values of freedom and liberty are broadcast around the world in a fair and accurate manner, contrasting with what Trump describes as 'lies spread by the fake news media.' Lake, who has denied the results of her own electoral losses and the 2020 presidential election, will work closely with the head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, a position Trump has yet to announce. Her appointment has drawn criticism from Democrats, who label her as an 'international propaganda minister.' Trump has previously criticized VOA for what he considered to be biased reporting, particularly during his first term. VOA's mission, as stated on its website, is to provide comprehensive news coverage and tell the public the truth, free from political interference.