Trump Appoints Kari Lake to Lead Voice of America

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Kari Lake, who previously worked as a news anchor and sought a Senate seat in Arizona, to take on the role of the next director of the government-funded broadcaster. This announcement was part of several administrative appointments Trump disclosed via his Truth Social account on Wednesday evening.

Trump remarked on Lake's appointment, highlighting her popularity in Arizona, a state that had supported him robustly for more than two decades as a news anchor.

The president-elect also mentioned that a new head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media would be announced soon. He emphasized that Lake would closely collaborate with this individual to ensure that messages of American freedom and democracy are communicated globally, countering what he referred to as falsehoods spread by the conventional news media.

Lake's Political Journey

Before aligning herself with Trump, Lake's political trajectory was not straightforward. She initially registered as an Independent, then a Democrat, before reorienting towards the Republican Party, embracing principles identified with the Make America Great Again movement.

Notably, Lake was a fervent proponent of the conspiracy theory surrounding election fraud in 2021. This narrative became a cornerstone of her gubernatorial campaign in 2022, during which she also endeavored to challenge the election results unsuccessfully.

Ambassadorships for Trump Donors

Trump revealed plans to appoint several former donors to ambassador roles. Peter Lamelas, Daniel Newlin, and Leandro Rizzuto were named among his selections for these diplomatic positions.

Notable Appointments

Daniel Newlin is tapped to become the U.S. ambassador to Colombia. Trump praised Newlin's extensive career in law enforcement spanning 28 years, highlighting his rapid rise through the ranks and his significant contributions as a detective handling major crimes such as armed robberies and human trafficking.

Beyond his law enforcement accolades, Newlin established an injury law practice. Trump commended his ability to navigate complex issues internationally and his potential to forge economic alliances, positioning Newlin as a formidable advocate for American interests globally.

Similarly, Peter Lamelas has been nominated as ambassador to Argentina. Lamelas, recognized for his achievements in healthcare through the creation of Florida's largest Urgent Care company, is also noted for his story of immigration from Cuba and attaining success in the United States.

Lastly, Rizzuto's nomination as a U.S. ambassador comes with an acknowledgment of his business acumen and contributions, notably as a co-founder of Conair. However, the specific country for his ambassadorship hadn't been disclosed.

These ambassadorial appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.