LONDON — Known as the Voice of America (VOA), this renowned news organization has carved a significant niche in history by pledging to deliver “the truth” since its inception, particularly when it aired news about democracy in Nazi Germany during World War II. Currently, the VOA operates from within a nation where a majority of voters have backed Donald Trump, a figure who often claims that truth is defined by his perspective.
The narratives that VOA will present about the United States and democracy during a potential second Trump administration will largely be influenced by the former president himself. Trump’s past rhetoric has included surprising statements about acquiring territories, asserting America’s preeminence, and labeling independent journalism that contradicts his view as “fake news.”
During Trump’s previous time in office, the VOA faced attacks that resulted in firings, litigation, whistleblower activities, and federal inquiries, indicating a turbulent relationship between the two. Experts in media and former VOA staff members foresee a repetition of this troubling history amid a backdrop of rising authoritarianism, misinformation, and foreign propaganda.
Kate Wright, an associate professor of media and politics at the University of Edinburgh, expressed her expectation that VOA will experience immense pressure to present America in a favorable light. She suggested that future actions will likely include selective news reporting that aligns with pro-American sentiment. Wright also warned about the potential for journalists to create “false balance,” treating viewpoints as equally credible when they might not be.
This time around, Trump is aware of the mechanisms of power. He is ready to challenge the VOA’s statutory “firewall,” which is meant to shield its editorial choices from governmental influence. Trump’s pick for leading the organization, Kari Lake, has openly stated her aim to “reform the media,” an ambition that has stirred unease among VOA’s workforce of 2,000 employees, even as it excites Trump’s supporters.
Lake remarked in a recent interview that her goal isn’t to transform VOA into a partisan platform. “But it’s also not our job to go in there and unduly criticize President Trump,” she asserted. Her desire is to see balanced news coverage reflecting Trump’s expectations.
The ongoing legacy of this historic news outlet hangs in the balance, as Trump’s appointment of Lake rekindles the longstanding debate about the ability of a government-funded entity, with a budget of $260 million, to function autonomously. The VOA’s foundations were solidified in 1976 when President Gerald Ford approved its charter, which Congress later reinforced in 1994 and again in 2020, after a court ruling highlighted interference in VOA’s editorial freedom by a previous Trump appointee.
The integrity of VOA’s mission was clear from its very first broadcasts, starting with William Harlan Hale’s declaration in 1942, promising to deliver the truth. This commitment proved resilient during World War II and in the face of political challenges, including the scrutiny from Senator Joseph McCarthy in the 1950s. President Ronald Reagan, during VOA’s 40th anniversary in 1982, reaffirmed that it was dedicated not only to sharing America’s narrative but also adhering to journalistic principles that prioritize truth.
Under Lake’s leadership, however, there could be a shift in approach. She stated that the VOA will focus on showcasing America’s successes globally, contrasting the outlet’s established mission of providing an accurate, comprehensive representation of the United States. The VOA’s charter insists on delivering news that is accurate and objective, representing a broad spectrum of American society rather than any partisan agenda.
The VOA is mandated to provide clear broadcasts on U.S. policies, with its editorials labeled correctly as “U.S. policy.” There is speculation that Lake, with the authority to lead the VOA’s news direction, might influence the organization’s editorial focus or even participate in the broadcasts herself, potentially blurring the lines of separation due to enforcement challenges in protecting editorial independence.
Concerns persist about what many call a “government capture” of an independent entity, as the VOA was designed to serve international audiences but is accessible to domestic viewers as well. If this outcome were to materialize, the VOA might evolve into a platform echoing Trump’s viewpoints to his supporters.
Lake, who gained recognition as a vocal Trump supporter and a proponent of contested election claims, aims to rejuvenate the VOA. She previously described her goal to establish a genuinely honest press, distinct from the so-called “fake news” prevalent today. However, past VOA employees are grappling with uncertainty regarding job security under Lake’s leadership and some are contemplating other job opportunities.
As Trump prepares to appoint a CEO for the parent body, the U.S. Agency for Global Media—an action that will require Senate confirmation—Lake has articulated aims that evoke a nostalgic vision of historical successes akin to Reagan’s Cold War strategies.
In sharing her aspirations publicly, she mentioned valorous endeavors of past journalists in changing global hearts and minds without violence, alluding to the principled role of journalism in the global narrative. This resonates with Reagan’s assertion of truth’s paramount importance in a democracy, a principle that may again come under scrutiny amid the evolving leadership at the Voice of America.
