Kari Lake's Use of Voice of America for Political Promotion Raises Concerns
Kari Lake, who oversees the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the parent agency of Voice of America (VOA), has reportedly utilized the U.S. government-owned network to advocate for former President Donald Trump and his agenda. This has ignited discussions regarding potential breaches of federal law and established policies.
Lake was featured in an interview on VOA's Persian-language service, commemorating Trump's first year back in office. During the segment, she allegedly lauded Trump's approach toward Iran, described him as "the president of peace," and reiterated claims about his role in ending wars. She also reportedly criticized judges who had ruled against Trump and characterized former President Biden's record as "horrific."
The interview was integrated into an hour-long special on Trump's first year and was also broadcast on VOA's Chinese-language service. Lake asserted that VOA's mission encompasses sharing statements from President Trump and reflecting the Iranian people's support for him.
"Lake's appearance in a partisan role was unprecedented."
Editorial Firewall Concerns
Current and former journalists at VOA, along with officials at USAGM, have reportedly indicated that Lake's appearance in a partisan capacity was unprecedented.
Federal statute mandates that the USAGM chief executive uphold an "editorial firewall," designed to safeguard editorial decisions from political influence. Critics contend that Lake's appearance disregarded this crucial firewall.
David Kligerman, former USAGM general counsel, underscored the vital role of journalistic ethics in preventing such situations. Rick Stengel, former editor of Time magazine and an agency board member, observed that Lake's comments sounded more akin to those of a press secretary than the head of an independent news service.
Lake's Authority and Agency Actions
Lake, a former political candidate, was appointed to lead USAGM by Trump. Her legal authority to head the agency has faced challenges in court.
Trump reportedly lacked the legal power to directly appoint the agency's chief executive, a position requiring Senate-confirmed board members. Following his dismissal of the board, Trump issued an executive order aimed at reducing the agency's scope.
Lake was named senior advisor and subsequently deputy CEO at USAGM, though her eligibility for acting CEO remains unclear, and the White House has not formally announced such an appointment.
U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth has expressed doubts about Lake's candor and the administration's legal defenses in cases disputing her actions, leading to orders for employees to be reinstated.
Impact on Persian-Language Service
Amidst unrest in Iran, Lake has placed a strong emphasis on the Persian-language service. She appointed Ali Javanmardi, a former VOA journalist, to manage the service.
Javanmardi has reportedly praised Trump on air and discouraged the booking of guests critical of Trump. Noteworthy instances include the cancellation of an appearance by former Trump foreign policy adviser Elliot Abrams and a commentator declining to appear due to perceived restrictions on critiquing the president.
"Javanmardi's social media indicates his mission is to align VOA with U.S. foreign policy and convey 'POTUS's support for the people of Iran.'"
Javanmardi's social media activity suggests his objective is to align VOA with U.S. foreign policy and communicate "POTUS's support for the people of Iran."
Questions have arisen concerning Javanmardi's legal authority to direct news coverage, as he is reportedly a USAGM employee, not directly employed by VOA, raising similar firewall concerns.
Congressional Response
In response to the actions taken by the Trump administration, Congress has drafted spending bills allocating $643 million for USAGM for fiscal year 2026, a substantial increase over the Trump administration's requested amount.
Lawmakers have also designated funds for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), which had previously faced funding reductions.
Lake reportedly blocked Radio Farda, RFE/RL's Persian-language service, from utilizing shortwave and mediumwave radio transmitters during an internet blackout in Iran, despite urgent appeals. Senator Mitch McConnell publicly criticized this decision. Lake has referred to Radio Farda as a "propaganda site."