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Kari Lake follows through on Trump order, axes most of Voice of America's staff | CNN Business

The article from CNN, published on June 20, 2025, titled "Kari Lake's VOA appointment sparks controversy among Voice of America staff," delves into the contentious appointment of Kari Lake as the head of Voice of America (VOA), a U.S. government-funded international broadcaster. The appointment has stirred significant unrest among VOA staff, who are concerned about the implications of Lake's political affiliations and her alignment with former President Donald Trump.

Kari Lake, a former television news anchor turned politician, gained national attention during her unsuccessful run for Arizona governor in 2022. She has been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and has propagated numerous false claims about the 2020 election being stolen. Her appointment to VOA, announced by the Trump administration, has been met with widespread criticism and apprehension from both within and outside the organization.

The article outlines the reactions of VOA staff, who fear that Lake's appointment could compromise the broadcaster's commitment to journalistic integrity and independence. Many employees have expressed concerns that Lake's history of spreading misinformation and her close ties to Trump could lead to a shift in VOA's editorial direction, potentially turning it into a mouthpiece for the Trump administration's political agenda.

VOA, established in 1942, has a long-standing reputation for providing objective news and information to audiences around the world, particularly in regions where free press is limited. The broadcaster operates under a charter that mandates it to maintain its independence from political influence. However, Lake's appointment has raised doubts about the organization's ability to uphold these principles.

The article includes interviews with several VOA employees who spoke anonymously due to fear of retaliation. One staff member stated, "Kari Lake's appointment is a direct threat to our mission. Her track record of promoting conspiracy theories and her loyalty to Trump make it impossible for us to trust that she will respect our charter and our commitment to unbiased reporting."

Another employee highlighted the potential impact on VOA's credibility, saying, "Our audience trusts us because we have been a reliable source of information for decades. If we start echoing the same false narratives that Lake has been pushing, we will lose that trust, and it will be nearly impossible to regain."

The article also discusses the broader implications of Lake's appointment on U.S. international broadcasting. VOA plays a crucial role in countering disinformation and promoting democratic values abroad. Critics argue that appointing someone with Lake's background could undermine these efforts and damage America's reputation as a beacon of free and fair journalism.

In response to the backlash, the Trump administration has defended Lake's appointment, asserting that she brings a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to combating what they describe as "fake news." A spokesperson for the administration stated, "Kari Lake is a dedicated journalist who understands the importance of challenging the mainstream media's narratives. Her appointment will help VOA better serve its audience by providing a more balanced view of the world."

However, this defense has done little to assuage the concerns of VOA staff and media watchdogs. The article cites a statement from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which expressed deep concern over Lake's appointment and called for the administration to reconsider its decision. The CPJ emphasized the importance of maintaining VOA's independence and warned that any attempt to politicize the broadcaster would have serious consequences for press freedom globally.

The article also explores the potential legal and regulatory challenges that Lake's appointment could face. VOA operates under the oversight of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which is responsible for ensuring that the broadcaster adheres to its charter. Some legal experts suggest that Lake's appointment could be challenged on the grounds that it violates the charter's requirement for editorial independence.

In addition to the internal and external criticism, the article discusses the potential impact on VOA's staff morale and retention. Several employees have reportedly considered resigning in protest over Lake's appointment, fearing that they will no longer be able to perform their jobs with the same level of integrity and professionalism. The article quotes one VOA journalist who said, "I love my job and believe in our mission, but I'm not sure I can stay if Kari Lake is going to be calling the shots."

The article also touches on the broader political context surrounding Lake's appointment. It notes that the Trump administration has been criticized for its efforts to control and influence the media, including its attempts to discredit journalists and news organizations that report critically on the administration. Lake's appointment is seen by many as part of a larger strategy to reshape the media landscape in favor of the administration's political goals.

In conclusion, the article paints a picture of a deeply divided VOA staff grappling with the implications of Kari Lake's appointment. The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between political influence and journalistic independence, a tension that is particularly acute in the realm of international broadcasting. As VOA navigates this challenging period, the article suggests that the outcome will have far-reaching consequences for the organization's future and its role in promoting press freedom and democratic values around the world.

Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the controversy surrounding Kari Lake's appointment to VOA, detailing the concerns of staff members, the potential impact on the broadcaster's mission and credibility, and the broader political context. It underscores the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity and independence, particularly in an era of increasing political polarization and disinformation.

Read the Full CNN Article at:
[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/20/media/kari-lake-voa-trump-voice-of-america-staff ]