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Trump picks vocal supporter Kari Lake to head the news outlet Voice of America

The position does not require Senate confirmation

Alex Lang
In New York City
Thursday 12 December 2024 03:52 GMT
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Arizona GOP candidate Kari Lake compares MAGA supporters to Jesus

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The new leader of Voice of America will be a prominent vocal supporter of Donald Trump.

On Wednesday night, the president-elect announced Kari Lake - the failed Senate and gubernatorial candidate in Arizona and frequent Trump defender on far-right Newsmax and One America News Network - as the new director for Voice of America.

The outlet is an international broadcasting company funded by the federal government. According to the outlet, the organization provides news in nearly 50 languages across digital, television and radio platforms.

“She will be appointed by, and work closely with, our next head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, who I will announce soon, to 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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“Kari was a beloved News Anchor in Arizona, which supported me by record margins, for over 20 years,” he added.

Donald Trump has announced Kari Lake as the new head of Voice of America - a government-backed news outlet
Donald Trump has announced Kari Lake as the new head of Voice of America - a government-backed news outlet (AFP via Getty Images)

Lake’s position does not need Senate confirmation. The head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media does need confirmation - and that person usually appoints the director of Voice of America.

Lake, a former Arizona and Iowa TV journalist, failed twice in her bids for public office. She has contended that the 2020 governor position was stolen from her, despite numerous rulings that the election was fair.

She has also been a longtime supporter of Trump and his policies. The two have frequently appeared at rallies together, and she has acted as his surrogate on news programs.

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