Trump Appoints Former Fox Host Kari Lake as Head of Voice of America
The president-elect stated that Lake will ensure ‘American values of Freedom and Liberty’ are once again shared globally.
Former Fox 10 Phoenix news anchor Kari Lake has been appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the federally-funded international broadcasting network, Voice of America (VOA).
“She will be appointed by, and collaborate closely with, our upcoming head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, to be announced soon, to ensure that American values of Freedom and Liberty are accurately and fairly broadcast around the world, countering the falsehoods propagated by the Fake News Media.”
Established on February 1, 1942, VOA was created to cater to a non-American audience, aiming to communicate the “policies of the United States clearly and effectively.” Its initial mission was to counter Nazi propaganda.
Lake has previously run in both the 2024 U.S. Senate race and Arizona’s 2022 gubernatorial election, with her Democratic opponents emerging victorious in both contests.
“I am honored that President Trump has invited me to lead the Voice of America,” Lake shared via a post on the social media platform X shortly after her announcement.
“VOANews is an essential international media organization committed to promoting U.S. interests by engaging with people worldwide and fostering democracy and truth,” she remarked about the network, which reaches an audience of 326 million people in 48 languages.
“With my leadership, the VOA will excel in its mission: showcasing America’s accomplishments on a global scale,” she added. “I’m eager to begin this journey.”
Other Appointments
During the same evening, Trump nominated Michael J. Rigas for the position of deputy secretary of state for management and resources, which requires Senate confirmation.
“Michael will bring accountability to the State Department just as he did across the government during my first term, serving as Deputy and Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management, as well as Acting Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget,” Trump stated regarding the Harvard graduate.
“Mike is a staunch conservative who understands how government functions and will contribute to Making America Great Again!”
Additionally, Trump appointed Daniel J. Newlin as his administration’s ambassador to Colombia.
Newlin, an entrepreneur and former law enforcement officer, dedicated a 28-year career to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Orlando, Florida, where he tackled major crimes such as armed robbery, gang violence, human trafficking, and illicit drug and weapon trafficking.
Lamelas, a Cuban refugee, is recognized for founding the largest urgent care health company in Florida. He was also chosen by Trump to serve on the Department of Justice’s Medal of Valor Review Board, tasked with honoring America’s heroic first responders.
Rizzuto, the son of the chairman and co-founder of Conair Corporation, previously held the position of U.S. consul general to Bermuda during the first Trump administration.