Former President Donald Trump has made waves with a bold move: he wants Kari Lake, the former Arizona gubernatorial candidate, to take the helm of Voice of America (VOA). As the United States’ oldest international broadcaster, VOA plays a vital role in transmitting news to over 300 million people globally, particularly in regions where press freedoms are limited.
This potential appointment is stirring controversy, with critics drawing parallels to Trump’s earlier attempts to manipulate the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the government body that oversees VOA. But why would Trump nominate Kari Lake, and what does it mean for the future of global media and independent journalism?
In this post, we will break down the implications of this bold political move, the history of VOA, and the consequences of placing a figure like Lake in charge of one of the world’s most influential news agencies.
What is Voice of America?
Voice of America (VOA) was established in 1942, during World War II, with the purpose of broadcasting news to Allied territories. Over time, its mission expanded to become the primary tool for countering propaganda in countries where freedom of the press is limited. VOA’s core goal has always been to provide objective, independent news to audiences around the globe, ensuring that the free flow of information is preserved.
With more than 2,000 employees and a budget of nearly $300 million, VOA operates in over 40 languages, reaching millions of people every week. But under Trump’s administration, the network became a focal point for political tension. Trump and his allies were accused of trying to turn the network into a platform for political messaging, undermining its independence.
Kari Lake: A Controversial Choice for VOA
Kari Lake is no stranger to the media spotlight. As a former news anchor for Fox in Phoenix, she spent almost 30 years in the industry. But her rise to fame came after her political career took off. Running as the Republican candidate for Arizona governor in 2022, Lake echoed Trump’s rhetoric on everything from election denialism to attacks on mainstream media. She became a polarising figure, seen by many as a champion of conservative values but condemned by others as a promoter of misinformation.
Trump’s decision to nominate her as the director of VOA has caused an uproar. His statement on December 11 emphasised Lake’s commitment to broadcast American values of Freedom and Liberty globally, promising she would deliver news “fairly and accurately, unlike the lies spread by the Fake News Media.”
But is this a wise decision? Does Lake have the necessary qualifications to lead an organisation with such a massive global reach?
Why Trump Wants Lake to Lead VOA
Trump’s interest in Kari Lake seems to stem from several factors:
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Shared Ideology: Lake’s views align closely with Trump’s, particularly when it comes to media criticism. Throughout her campaign, she derided the press as “monsters” and suggested that journalists should be shipped out to Afghanistan for a lesson in reporting. For Trump, Lake’s combative stance against the media makes her an appealing candidate to lead VOA.
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Media Control: During his first term, Trump was accused of trying to turn USAGM into a propaganda machine. His administration’s censorship and attempts to reshape VOA’s coverage raised alarms about its editorial independence. By placing Lake in charge, Trump could push for more politically aligned coverage, turning the VOA into a platform that promotes his political agenda.
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Populist Appeal: Trump often criticised the media, claiming that outlets like CNN and The New York Times spread “fake news.” By nominating Lake, he’s appealing to his base, reinforcing his narrative that mainstream media outlets are biased against conservative viewpoints.
The History of VOA: A Commitment to Independent Journalism
For decades, Voice of America has stood as a symbol of unbiased reporting in global media. Funded by the U.S. government, its mission is to provide news that isn’t swayed by political pressures or corporate interests. The agency has been instrumental in breaking down media censorship in oppressive regimes, offering a platform for those who would otherwise have no voice.
However, under Trump’s first administration, the network was accused of interference in editorial decisions. Michael Pack, an ally of Steve Bannon, was appointed as the head of USAGM. He immediately replaced senior staff, brought in Trump loyalists, and faced accusations of purging the agency of journalists who didn’t toe the political line. Pack’s leadership raised concerns that VOA’s impartiality was at risk.
The Legal Framework: VOA’s Firewall
The U.S. International Broadcasting Act protects the editorial independence of outlets like VOA. It explicitly prohibits government officials from interfering with the content produced by VOA and other USAGM-run networks. This legal protection, known as the “firewall,” ensures that journalistic integrity is preserved, even if the political leadership changes.
Despite this, Trump’s first term marked a concerted effort to bypass the firewall and place his allies in key positions. Critics argue that if Lake were appointed to lead VOA, it could signal a return to those days of political influence over what is meant to be an independent news network.
The Future of VOA Under Lake’s Leadership
If Kari Lake becomes the director of VOA, several key changes could follow:
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Increased Political Bias: Given her history of aligning with Trump’s political agenda, there are concerns that Lake would use VOA to push conservative ideals, potentially at the expense of unbiased reporting.
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Censorship and Misinformation: As someone who has openly dismissed mainstream media as “fake news,” Lake’s leadership might result in increased censorship or the spread of politically motivated narratives.
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Global Influence of U.S. Media: VOA plays a significant role in countering state-sponsored propaganda from countries like China and Russia. A shift towards a more politically motivated leadership could undermine VOA’s credibility on the global stage, making it harder for the agency to maintain its influential role in international media.
Conclusion
Trump’s push to place Kari Lake at the helm of Voice of America is just the latest chapter in the ongoing battle over media independence and political control. If she takes the position, we could see a shift in VOA’s mission, one that raises serious questions about the future of global media. The implications are far-reaching, particularly as the U.S. continues to use VOA to combat disinformation from adversarial nations.
But as always, the future of VOA and its commitment to independent journalism will depend on the voices of those who rely on its reporting.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
- Voice of America
- U.S. Agency for Global Media
- Trump’s Attempts to Control Media
- Kari Lake’s Political Career
- VOA’s Editorial Independence
Photo credit: NBC News
