I believe I've mentioned that I've been keeping a list of the multiple appointments/nominations announced by the Trump-Vance Transition Team over the past several weeks. Well, I let it slide for a couple of days, and now I'm way behind because the transition team keeps cranking out those announcements. 

Several more were issued Wednesday evening, including one that should be of added interest to Arizonans: President-elect Donald Trump has named Kari Lake to serve as the next Director of the Voice of America.

I am pleased to announce that Kari Lake will serve as our next Director of the Voice of America. She will be appointed by, and work closely with, our next head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, who I will announce soon, to ensure that the American values of Freedom and Liberty are broadcast around the World FAIRLY and ACCURATELY, unlike the lies spread by the Fake News Media.
 
Kari was a beloved News Anchor in Arizona, which supported me by record margins, for over 20 years.
 
Congratulations Kari!

Lake, of course, ran for Arizona governor in 2022 and for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Kyrsten Sinema in 2024. Neither of those bids was successful, unfortunately. But as Trump notes in his announcement, Lake has a media background that will serve her well in the role. 

Lake began her on-air career as a reporter in Rock Island, Illinois. She served as a weekend weather anchor and then evening anchor at KPNX in Phoenix, Arizona, before heading to WNYT in Albany, New York. She returned to Phoenix in 1999, serving as the evening anchor at KSAZ through March of 2021 before leaving to launch her gubernatorial bid. 

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Voice of America is the international broadcast network established by the U.S. in 1942 to broadcast digital, TV, and radio content to affiliate stations around the world. 

Voice of America (VOA) is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, providing news and information in nearly 50 languages to an estimated weekly audience of more than 354 million people. VOA produces content for digital, television, and radio platforms. It is easily accessed via your mobile phone and on social media. It is also distributed by satellite, cable, FM and MW, and is carried on a network of more than 3,500 affiliate stations.

Since its creation in 1942, Voice of America has been committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the news and telling audiences the truth. Through World War II, the Cold War, the fight against global terrorism, and the struggle for freedom around the globe today, VOA exemplifies the principles of a free press.

VOA is part of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the government agency that oversees all non-military, U.S. international broadcasting. It is funded by the U.S. Congress.

Following Wednesday evening's announcement, Lake issued a statement on X: 

I am honored that President Trump has asked me to lead the Voice of America. @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.

With an… pic.twitter.com/UWVdPeF6Ye

— Kari Lake (@KariLake) December 12, 2024

I am honored that President Trump has asked me to lead the Voice of America.

@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.

With an audience of 326 million people, Voice of America delivers information in 48 languages. Under my leadership, the VOA will 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.