Trump ally Kari Lake tapped to be US ambassador to Jamaica

May 12, 2026

President Trump has nominated Kari Lake, his longtime supporter and current head of the US Agency for Global Media, to serve as US ambassador to Jamaica. Lake recently oversaw significant staff reductions at Voice of America, the federally-funded international broadcaster that Trump has criticized for alleged liberal bias. A former television journalist in Arizona, Lake gained Trump's favor by promoting false claims about election fraud after both the 2020 presidential race and her own unsuccessful campaigns for Arizona governor and US Senate.

Who is affected

Kari Lake (nominated for ambassador position)
Hundreds of Voice of America employees who were terminated
US Agency for Global Media staff and operations
Voice of America as an organization
Jamaican government and people (potential diplomatic partner)
The US Senate (must confirm the nomination)
Cameron Hamilton (also nominated for FEMA leadership)

What action is being taken

Lake is leading the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle Voice of America
The administration is moving to terminate hundreds of VOA employees under presidential executive order
Lake has publicly thanked the president on social media for her nomination

Why it matters

This nomination represents a significant shift in US diplomatic representation to Jamaica, as Lake would transition from leading a controversial restructuring of America's international broadcasting operations to a traditional diplomatic role. The appointment reflects Trump's pattern of rewarding political loyalists who supported his election fraud claims, while also potentially ending the tumultuous period at Voice of America where hundreds of employees faced termination. The move also raises questions about US soft power and international broadcasting capabilities, as VOA has served as America's global voice since 1942, broadcasting in nearly 50 languages worldwide.

What's next

The US Senate must vote to confirm Lake's nomination as ambassador to Jamaica before her appointment becomes official and she can leave her current position at the US Agency for Global Media.

Read full article from source: BBC