In a move that has raised eyebrows and sparked concerns among journalists and lawmakers, former President Donald Trump has reportedly endorsed Kari Lake, a former Arizona gubernatorial candidate, to lead the Voice of America (VOA), a U.S. government-funded international news broadcaster.

Presidents don’t ordinarily pick the director of Voice of America, as the position is typically filled through a bipartisan board, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). The agency’s mission is to promote fact-based, unbiased reporting to global audiences, particularly in countries where press freedom is limited.

Trump’s endorsement of Lake, a vocal supporter of the former president, has sparked fears that the VOA’s editorial independence and credibility could be compromised. Critics worry that Lake’s appointment could lead to the politicization of the broadcaster, undermining its mission to provide accurate and unbiased information to global audiences.

Lake, a former TV news anchor, has been a vocal advocate for Trump’s policies and has echoed his criticism of the media. Her appointment would require Senate confirmation, and it remains to be seen whether she would be confirmed for the role.

The VOA has a long history of providing fact-based reporting to global audiences, and any attempts to politicize the broadcaster could have far-reaching consequences for its credibility and effectiveness.