Kari Lake, overseeing the U.S. Agency for Global Media, effusively praised President Trump during a January 2026 interview on Voice of America's Persian-language service. Critics argue her remarks undermine the broadcaster's editorial independence, potentially violating federal law. The appearance highlights ongoing tensions over the agency's direction under the Trump administration.
In a five-minute segment broadcast on January 2026, Kari Lake lauded Trump's foreign policy, particularly toward Iran, calling him "the president of peace" and claiming he had ended eight wars and conflicts. She described his approach as "putting out fires" through "peace through strength," while criticizing an "out-of-control judiciary" and former President Joe Biden's "horrific" record. The interview, conducted through an interpreter, was part of a one-hour special marking Trump's first year back in office and also aired on VOA's Chinese-language service, where her English remarks were audible.
Lake, a former Arizona TV anchor and unsuccessful MAGA candidate for governor and Senate, was installed by Trump at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) early last year. Despite legal challenges to her authority—including a federal judge questioning her role and the validity of her actions—she has acted as deputy CEO since last July and claims to be acting CEO. Trump issued an executive order in March to minimize the agency, prompting Lake to lay off 85% of the workforce, though court rulings have reinstated some staff.
The firewall law mandates that USAGM's chief respect VOA's editorial independence from politics. Eleven current and former VOA journalists and officials described Lake's on-air appearance as unprecedented, fearing retribution if identified. David Kligerman, former USAGM general counsel, stated, "These are precisely the reasons why you would have a charter and why you would have to adhere to the highest principles of journalistic ethics—to avoid these kinds of situations."
Rick Stengel, former Time magazine editor and USAGM board member, added, "Listening to Kari Lake, she sounded more like a press secretary for the president than the head of an independent news service." Lake defended her comments in a statement to NPR: "VOA is telling the story of the brave Iranian people and their fight for freedom. That story cannot be told without sharing statements from President Trump or the support the Iranian people have for him."
Amid Iran's protests and internet blackout, Lake has emphasized VOA's Persian service, led by Ali Javanmardi, a former VOA journalist who also praises Trump. Colleagues report Javanmardi discouraging critical guests, including canceling an appearance by Elliot Abrams. Congress, rebuking the administration, has proposed $643 million for USAGM in fiscal year 2026—four times the requested amount—sustaining international broadcasting efforts.
