Donald Trump has chosen Kari Lake, a strong supporter and election result denier, to lead Voice of America (VOA), a US government-funded news outlet.
Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, saying Lake would work closely with the new head of the US Agency for Global Media.
Lake, a former news anchor, ran unsuccessfully for governor and the Senate in Arizona and has been an outspoken critic of the media.
She has even called journalists “monsters” and suggested defunding the press. In her response, Lake said she was “honoured” by Trump’s selection and promised to lead VOA in broadcasting America’s achievements worldwide.
VOA, which has a budget of nearly $267.5 million and broadcasts in over 50 languages, is known for providing news to millions of people around the world.
However, Trump had criticized VOA during his presidency, accusing it of being anti-American. His first appointment to lead the agency, Michael Pack, faced legal troubles for allegedly turning VOA into pro-Trump propaganda.
After Joe Biden took office, he quickly removed Trump-appointed officials from VOA.
Lake’s appointment could raise concerns about press freedom, given her history of attacking the media. Experts warn that her combative style and past remarks about a free press could pose a threat to VOA’s independent reporting.
Trump also made other appointments, including naming Dan Newlin as US ambassador to Colombia and Peter Lamelas to Argentina.
This is all part of his ongoing efforts to shape the future of US diplomacy. (BBC)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq627z3493po