Just days after a federal judge dismissed the actions of Kari Lake, a significant shift is underway at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). The Trump Administration has appointed Sarah B. Rogers, the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, as the new CEO of USAGM. Meanwhile, Lake remains at the agency’s helm as Deputy CEO. Mike Rigas, the Acting Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, will fill the role of Acting CEO until Rogers’ Senate confirmation.
This development comes amid ongoing controversies regarding Lake’s prior role and the judge’s ruling, which determined her actions at USAGM were “unconstitutional.” Judge Royce C. Lamberth, in a March 7, 2025, order, stated that all of Lake’s actions were without legal effect, including plans to reduce the agency’s personnel. Lake is determined to challenge this decision, insisting, “The American people gave President Trump a mandate to cut bloated bureaucracy, eliminate waste, and restore accountability to government.” She is pushing back against what she perceives as undue judicial interference in her efforts to reform USAGM.
Lake’s ambition for USAGM is to drastically cut its size, ultimately transferring its responsibilities to the State Department. This goal appears increasingly feasible with Rogers and Rigas poised to take charge. Their leadership represents a strategic alignment with Lake’s vision, which prioritizes accountability and efficiency in broadcasting America’s message abroad.
Key to understanding the stakes at USAGM are the recent controversies surrounding some of its employees. A lawsuit initiated by several left-leaning staff members highlighted concerns about job security linked to Lake’s restructuring efforts. Among those named in the lawsuit is Patsy Widakuswara, reported to have made controversial comments in a leaked audio tape, expressing support for Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and questioning the integrity of the Voice of America’s (VOA) reporting following the U.S. government’s actions in Venezuela. “You would want VOA to be broadcasting accurate information, not just information from the administration that’s doing the kidnapping,” Widakuswara argued.
Additionally, another staff member, Jessica Jerreat, also caught on tape, revealed her struggle with the role of journalist versus activist. “Am I a journalist or am I an activist? Right now, it’s so complex,” she admitted, indicating a blurring of lines that could raise concerns about impartial reporting.
Lake’s interview with The Gateway Pundit prior to the ruling underscores her commitment to overhauling USAGM and ending what she views as globalist narratives that have infiltrated U.S. broadcasting. She expressed pride in her accomplishments so far, which include reducing the agency to its statutory minimum size and pushing for a clear, accountable direction in its operations.
The impending appointment of Sarah Rogers could mark a defining moment for USAGM. Her experience in public diplomacy may lend a new perspective to the agency’s mission, particularly as pressures mount on international media to deliver factual and unbiased coverage.
This situation is evolving, with both judicial decisions and internal agency dynamics shaping the future of U.S. media outreach. With Lake’s resolve to appeal the ruling and push forward with her plans, the landscape at USAGM promises to remain turbulent. The implications of these developments will likely be felt well beyond the agency, influencing perceptions of U.S. communications across the globe.
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