In a dramatic shakeup that promises to reshape how American news is reported by government-funded agencies, former Arizona candidate and current Trump administration Special Adviser for the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), Kari Lake, announced on Sunday a sweeping decision to terminate contracts with several major news organizations. Citing years of what she calls “baseless hit pieces” against President Trump, Lake declared that Voice of America (VOA)—the U.S.-funded global news service—will no longer rely on reporting from the Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse.
I. A Bold Move Against Outsourced Reporting
Kari Lake’s statement marks a significant departure from past practices at USAGM and VOA. With an 83‑year legacy as a taxpayer-funded news organization, Lake insists that these agencies should not dictate the news narrative. “With nearly a billion-dollar budget at our disposal, we should be producing the news ourselves,” she asserted. According to Lake, the decision to cancel these “expensive and unnecessary newswire contracts” will save American taxpayers approximately $53 million—a figure she believes represents a massive waste of public funds.
Lake explained that these contracts, which were approved during a 2024 budget request by the Biden administration, have burdened USAGM and VOA with costs running into tens of millions of dollars. “If it’s not possible for us to produce our own reporting, the American taxpayer deserves a full accounting of why we are outsourcing our news,” Lake emphasized in her statement obtained by the Daily Caller.
II. The Rationale Behind the Cut
The decision comes at a time when conservative voices have long decried what they see as a bias in mainstream media reporting. Lake, who has built her reputation on championing Trump’s agenda, argues that these external news services have consistently produced content that distorts the truth and undermines the efforts of the current administration. During a meeting with USAGM staffers last Friday, Lake and her team reportedly instructed VOA to stop using material from wire services, which are typically relied upon to cover events in regions where on‑the‑ground reporting is limited.
Speaking with Newsmax, Lake labeled these media contracts “a lot of nonsense that the American taxpayer shouldn’t be paying for.” Her stance is clear: the purpose of USAGM and VOA is to “tell the American story” from a perspective that aligns with the values and policies of the Trump administration. By ending reliance on external wire services, Lake aims to reclaim control over the narrative and reduce what she considers to be undue influence from outlets like the Associated Press, Reuters, and AFP.
III. A Political and Financial Recalibration
Lake’s decision is part of a broader initiative to “streamline” the operations of USAGM, a move that many conservatives believe is necessary to eliminate bureaucratic excess and align the agency with President Trump’s priorities. The cuts echo similar actions taken by the Trump administration in dismantling other government bodies, such as the U.S. Agency for International Development, where inefficiencies and redundant programs were brought to light.
Critics of the previous administration have argued that these expensive contracts have long been a drain on federal resources and that a self-sufficient approach would not only reduce costs but also provide a more balanced portrayal of news that matters to American citizens. Lake’s announcement is expected to resonate with conservative policymakers who argue that outsourced reporting has contributed to a distorted media landscape, one that favors narratives hostile to Trump’s agenda.
In a broader context, the move signals a determined shift in how the government intends to handle its communication with the world. By terminating contracts with some of the world’s most prominent news agencies, USAGM is taking a stand against what it perceives as ideological bias. The decision also reflects growing dissatisfaction within conservative circles over the legacy of previous administrations, which critics say allowed the media to become a tool for political propaganda.
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IV. Reactions From the Media and Political Circles
The response to Lake’s announcement has been swift and polarized. Conservative supporters have hailed the decision as a long-overdue reclamation of government resources and a necessary step toward restoring accountability in federal reporting. “This is a victory for American taxpayers and for true, unbiased journalism,” one supporter commented on social media, applauding Lake’s leadership and fiscal prudence.
Conversely, critics warn that severing ties with established news agencies like the Associated Press, Reuters, and AFP could lead to a narrowing of perspectives in government-funded media. Detractors argue that these organizations have a long history of providing comprehensive and reliable news coverage, and that relying solely on internal production could isolate USAGM and VOA from the broader global context.
Prominent media analysts are divided on the long-term implications of Lake’s decision. Some suggest that this move may lead to a more insular approach to reporting, which might undermine the credibility of U.S. news services on the international stage. Others argue that if USAGM can successfully produce high‑quality, fact‑based journalism without external input, it could set a new standard for government communication that reduces costs and enhances transparency.
In the realm of politics, the decision is already being touted as a win for the Trump administration’s efforts to rein in what it sees as media bias. By cutting ties with news organizations that have been accused of writing “baseless hit pieces” against the president, Lake’s initiative is framed as a reclaiming of narrative control—a key battleground in the ongoing cultural and political wars.
V. The Future of USAGM and VOA Under New Leadership
Kari Lake’s appointment and subsequent actions at USAGM reflect a broader vision for transforming how government-funded media operates. The administration intends to use these changes to deliver a more “American” perspective on the news, one that aligns with conservative values and emphasizes fiscal responsibility.
Lake’s focus on internal production is intended to reduce reliance on external vendors and streamline the flow of information. With a substantial budget at its disposal, USAGM is expected to ramp up its own reporting capabilities, thereby cutting costs and delivering news that resonates with the priorities of the current administration.
This transformation is likely to be part of a larger overhaul of federal communication strategies. As the Trump administration continues to push for accountability in government spending and operations, initiatives like these serve as a tangible example of its commitment to reform. For supporters, this represents a bold step toward eliminating wasteful practices and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently.
Looking ahead, the success of this initiative will depend on the ability of USAGM and VOA to produce high‑quality, reliable news content without the traditional safety net provided by established wire services. It remains to be seen whether this move will ultimately enhance the credibility of U.S.-funded media or lead to further isolation from the diverse voices that currently shape global news.
VI. Conclusion: A New Chapter in Government Media
Kari Lake’s recent announcement to terminate contracts with major news agencies like the Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse marks a significant turning point for USAGM and VOA. In a bid to reclaim control over its news narrative and save taxpayer money, the Trump administration is setting a new course—one that prioritizes internal production over outsourced reporting.
While the decision is expected to garner strong support from conservatives who view it as a necessary corrective to decades of perceived media bias, it also raises important questions about the future of government-funded journalism. As USAGM and VOA work to adapt to these changes, the balance between cost-efficiency, credibility, and diverse perspectives will be critical.
Ultimately, this bold move is not just about cutting contracts—it is about redefining the way the government communicates with the American people and the world. Whether it will lead to a more transparent and accountable media landscape or create new challenges remains to be seen. One thing, however, is clear: the Trump administration is committed to ensuring that the news being produced serves the interests of the American taxpayer and reflects the values of those in power.
