By Trendsetter Tribune 
Kari Lake, the former Arizona gubernatorial and senatorial candidate, has spent the first year of the second Trump administration as a polarizing force at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). A recent report from The Atlantic by Anne Applebaum and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez details a tenure defined by radical restructuring, massive fiscal expenditure, and a seemingly stalled attempt to return to elective politics.
Radical Restructuring at USAGM
Since her appointment as Senior Advisor (and self-identified “acting CEO”) in early 2025, Lake has pursued a “hack-and-slash” approach to the agency, which oversees international broadcasters like Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).
- Massive Layoffs: Lake has overseen an estimated 85% reduction in force. In early 2025, nearly the entire staff of VOA was suspended following a White House news release labeling it the “Voice of Radical America.”+1
- Fiscal “Squandering”: The Atlantic reports that while Lake claims to be saving money, her actions have created a “legal quagmire.” By placing hundreds of employees on administrative leave while barring them from work, the agency reportedly paid over $119 million in salaries to non-working staff between March and December 2025.
- Lease Cancellations: Lake abruptly canceled a 15-year, $200 million lease for new agency quarters that was already in progress. While she claims this will save $225 million over a decade, critics argue the cancellation could leave taxpayers liable for the full lease amount through lawsuits.
Congressional Testimony: “Rotten to the Core”
In June 2025, Lake made a fiery debut before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, where she called the agency “a rotten piece of fish” and urged Congress to eliminate it entirely.
“The agency was incompetent and mismanaged and deeply corrupt, politically biased and, frankly, a serious threat to our national security.” — Kari Lake, House Testimony
Democrats and free-press advocates have lambasted her leadership, with Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) labeling her an “adjudicated liar” during the hearing, referencing her history of promoting election conspiracy theories.
Seeking Trump’s Favor for a 2026 Run
Despite her “wrecking ball” approach at USAGM, Lake has reportedly struggled to secure a formal endorsement from President Trump for a third political bid.
- The White House Lobby Incident: In October 2025, Lake was reportedly spotted waiting for hours in a White House lobby, hoping to pitch the President on a new campaign. Sources indicate she was eventually met by a low-level aide with “no enthusiasm” for a third candidacy.
- Arizona vs. Iowa: While Lake previously vowed not to run in Arizona again, her purchase of a $59,000 condo in Davenport, Iowa late last year has fueled rumors that she may attempt a political “luck of the draw” in her home state. Potential openings in 2026 include:
- U.S. Senate: Longtime Senator Chuck Grassley’s term expires in 2028, but speculation persists about an early retirement or a primary challenge to others.
- Governor: Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has not yet confirmed her 2026 plans.
The Political Reality
Analysts from The Atlantic suggest that Lake’s “MAGA” support in Arizona has largely evaporated after two high-profile losses. Her focus on “cleansing” USAGM is viewed by some as a last-ditch effort to prove her utility to the President, even as Trump’s inner circle reportedly cools on her as a viable electoral candidate.