Kari Lake, CEO of the United States Agency for Global Media, is on a mission to expose what she describes as rampant corruption and leftist bias within her own agency. Recently, she shared her views with The Gateway Pundit, shedding light on the challenges she’s facing in unraveling what she believes is a system skewed toward Globalist propaganda at taxpayer expense.
During her testimony to the House Foreign Affairs Committee in June, Lake brought forth serious allegations of waste, fraud, and mismanagement within USAGM. This agency, created in 1994, is responsible for overseeing various taxpayer-funded news outlets, including the Voice of America and Radio Free Asia, among others, intending to deliver unbiased news globally. However, Lake claims that the reality is quite different. The agency has adopted a narrative that often aligns with left-wing ideologies, undermining the original mission and wasting nearly $1 billion each year.
One striking example Lake presented involves Radio Free Asia. In a troubling turn of events, the outlet ceased operations and initiated a fire sale of its equipment, which she believes violated the interest of American taxpayers. “They shut down programming and began auctioning off millions of dollars’ worth of equipment for pennies,” she stated. Lake argued that this presents a national security concern, particularly regarding sensitive information stored on those devices. She took immediate action by halting the auction and sending auditors to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Moreover, Lake pointed out the peculiar timing of RFA’s actions, coinciding with President Trump’s important diplomatic visit to South Korea. She remarked, “They said we didn’t pay them, which is untrue. We have paid them every penny appropriated.” She implied that the timing suggests ulterior motives behind their abrupt disengagement from journalism, particularly during a period that could have showcased positive developments in U.S.-Asia relations.
Lake extended her criticisms to another grantee, Radio Free Europe (RFE), which she accused of propagating an anti-American stance, specifically targeting Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Citing the need for national unity, Lake declared that taxpayer dollars should not fund narratives that seek to destabilize allied nations. She expressed her discontent with the portrayal of Orbán as a dictator and countered with facts about Hungary’s electoral integrity compared to the chaotic nature of elections in the United States.
In a separate confrontation, Lake responded sharply to comments made by Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal about Orbán’s leadership. Lake characterized her statements as indicative of a larger Globalist agenda, suggesting that such a perspective threatens Western nations’ sovereignty by supporting unrestricted immigration. She stressed the importance of respecting national governance, arguing that those criticizing Hungary’s leadership often overlook the country’s legitimate decision-making.
Lake also addressed the conduct of Arizona’s Democratic Senators, particularly Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, during a recent interview. She described their remarks and behavior as disrespectful and emblematic of a disconnect from the values of everyday Americans. By revealing the backgrounds of these politicians, Lake illustrated her belief that their actions undermine the integrity of their roles. She emphasized the need for accountability among elected officials.
Throughout her interview, Lake continuously underscored her commitment to ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used effectively and that the content produced by USAGM aligns with American interests. “I’m so sick and tired of watching the American taxpayer be slapped in the face,” she asserted, highlighting her determination to uphold transparency in government spending and report only factual information.
As Lake continues her efforts at USAGM, her statements reflect a broader frustration with how taxpayer-funded institutions operate in Washington. She aims to reshape the narrative produced by her agency to ensure that it prioritizes real news and supports U.S. interests, distancing itself from ideologies that she claims detach from the American values of self-reliance and patriotism.
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