President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Kari Lake, a longtime loyalist, to lead Voice of America has brought a sense of relief to some Arizona Republicans. Lake, who has been a dominant figure in Republican politics in Arizona over the past two election cycles, faced backlash from fellow conservatives in the state after losing back-to-back races for governor and Senate. Despite her losses, Lake’s name had been considered for positions such as state Republican Party chair and Arizona secretary of state.
With Lake now out of the running for these roles, other Republicans like Karrin Taylor Robson are expected to step into the spotlight. Robson, who came in second in the Republican gubernatorial primary in 2022, is now seen as a potential candidate for governor in 2026. Lake’s decision to take on the leadership role at Voice of America has clarified the Arizona political landscape, creating opportunities for new faces to emerge.
While Lake is stepping away from Arizona politics for now, her strong presence among the MAGA crowd ensures that she will remain a key figure in GOP politics. Despite her losses, political operatives believe that Lake would have been a formidable candidate for Arizona Republican Party chair. Additionally, Lake’s name had been mentioned as a potential U.S. ambassador to Mexico before the position went to Ronald Johnson.
As the new director of Voice of America, Lake will oversee a $267 million agency that broadcasts in over 40 languages to a global audience of more than 354 million people. With over three decades of experience in broadcast news, including 22 years at a Fox affiliate in Phoenix, Lake is well-equipped for the role. The appointment of the VOA director is pending the nomination of the head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, a position that Trump has yet to fill.
Lake’s appointment comes on the heels of controversy surrounding the previous head of the Agency for Global Media, Michael Pack, who was accused of using his position to promote the Trump administration’s agenda. Lake has expressed her commitment to upholding the values of the United States and promoting democracy and truth through VOA.
In a statement on Truth Social, Lake expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to lead VOA and pledged to showcase America’s achievements on a global scale. Trump also voiced his support for Lake, praising her as a beloved news anchor in Arizona who will broadcast American values of freedom and liberty worldwide.
Despite the challenges of running on a “Make America Great Again” platform without Trump’s name, Lake remains a prominent figure in conservative politics. While she has faced criticism for her false claims about the 2020 election, Lake’s appointment to VOA marks a new chapter in her career. As she transitions to a global stage, Lake’s impact on Arizona politics will be felt far beyond state borders.
