• Kari Lake’s appointment as VOA Director is stalled due to Senate confirmation requirements and USAGM protocols.
  • She currently serves as a Senior Advisor to USAGM, working to address internal challenges.
  • Critics, including Elon Musk, have raised concerns about VOA’s direction and taxpayer spending.

President Donald Trump made a decisive move by selecting Kari Lake, a prominent MAGA ally and former Arizona candidate for Senate and Governor, as the new Director of the Voice of America (VOA). Despite her enthusiasm for the role and her decision to refuse lucrative six-figure media offers, her appointment remains stalled due to bureaucratic barriers.

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Why Is Kari Lake Not VOA Director Yet?

Three months have passed since President Trump’s announcement, yet Lake is still waiting to officially assume the VOA Director position. Speaking to Newsmax’s Rob Schmitt, Lake revealed the significant challenges she faces. She explained, “To become the VOA Director, seven individuals must first be confirmed by the Senate. This process was deliberately designed to block appointments like mine.”

Schmitt responded with a telling “Wow,” highlighting the absurdity of such a process. Indeed, the Senate confirmation protocol ensures delays, and this obstacle isn’t new—it’s a roadblock faced by Trump allies during his first term as well.

The Trump-Proofed Agency

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Lake pointed out that the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA, has essentially “Trump-proofed” itself. Established protocols require Senate confirmations for the USAGM CEO and a majority vote by a seven-member advisory board (six presidential appointees and the Secretary of State) to appoint a VOA Director. Currently, the USAGM is led by Michael Abramowitz and other left-leaning figures, leaving little room for Trump-aligned leadership.

Trump’s first-term appointee, Michael Pack, faced similar delays—taking office three years into the presidency. Once in charge, Pack investigated journalists for perceived biases against Trump.

Lake’s Current Role

Despite the delays, President Trump has appointed Lake as a Senior Advisor to USAGM, allowing her to work behind the scenes to “clean things up.” Lake assured conservatives that she’s determined to restore fairness and transparency within USAGM and VOA. Her unwavering commitment reflects the MAGA movement’s broader goals of reforming entrenched institutions.

Criticism of VOA is mounting, even beyond conservative circles. In February, Elon Musk suggested shutting down VOA and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, calling them “radical left crazy people torching $1B/year of taxpayer money.” Musk’s comments echo growing frustration over the agency’s direction and spending.

Join the Conversation

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What do you think about Kari Lake’s stalled appointment and the pushback against entrenched bureaucracy? Share your thoughts in the comments below and help us spread the word by sharing this article from The Dupree Report. Let’s keep the conversation going!

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