President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement that Kari Lake, a former news anchor and two-time failed Republican candidate, would head the Voice of America (VOA) in his new administration has sparked swift and polarizing reactions both inside and outside MAGA circles.
Trump praised Lake as a “beloved news anchor” when revealing the decision Wednesday night, shutting down earlier speculation that she would serve as his ambassador to Mexico.
Supporters in the MAGA community celebrated the move. Far-right internet personality Nick Sortor took to X, writing, “Kari has YEARS of experience as a broadcaster, so this is the perfect position for her! Congrats @KariLake!”
Lake herself expressed gratitude for the appointment and shared her vision for the VOA. “I am honored that President Trump has asked me to lead the Voice of America,” she wrote on X. She continued, “@VOANews is a vital international media outlet dedicated to advancing the interests of the United States by engaging directly with people across the globe and promoting democracy and truth.”
She assured followers that, under her leadership, the VOA would “excel in its mission: chronicling America’s achievements worldwide. Thank you for putting your trust in me, President Trump. I look forward to leading the Voice of America, and I can’t wait to get started.”
However, Lake’s appointment has been met with skepticism and backlash among critics who highlight her repeated election-denying claims and the VOA’s traditionally nonpartisan role.
Podcast host and tech journalist Kara Swisher responded on Bluesky, quipping, “We’re going to need a bigger tub of Vaseline,” referring to the agency’s mounting controversies. She added, “I used to work at the Washington Post with Michael Abramowitz and I am not entirely sure he can be removed like this.”
The Get More Smarter Podcast, hosted by Democratic insiders, didn’t hold back, posting, “He’s really gonna make Kari Lake chief international propaganda minister. Holy sh–.”
Social media users also seized the opportunity to mock Lake’s ambitions and past controversies. Adam J. Smith, an X user, posted a pointed joke, “How will Kari Lake serve as Senator, Governor, and Director of Voice of America at the same time?”
While Lake’s supporters rally behind her appointment, critics worry about the future of the government-funded VOA under her leadership. With reactions divided, her tenure is already poised to be a subject of intense scrutiny.