Trump Picks Kari Lake’s Replacement
President Donald Trump on Thursday nominated a senior State Department official to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the federal agency responsible for overseeing international broadcasters such as Voice of America.
The move comes after a federal judge ruled that former acting leader Kari Lake had been improperly serving as the agency’s acting CEO, forcing the administration to move quickly to nominate a Senate-confirmed replacement.
Trump’s choice: Sarah B. Rogers, a State Department official with a strong background in constitutional law and public diplomacy.
If confirmed by the Senate, Rogers would take over the agency currently being run on an interim basis by Michael Rigas.
A Key Role in America’s Global Media Strategy
The U.S. Agency for Global Media plays a major role in how America communicates with the world.
The agency oversees several international broadcasting outlets, including Voice of America, which delivers news and information to millions of listeners and viewers around the globe.
Supporters say these outlets are a critical tool for promoting democratic values, countering foreign propaganda, and strengthening America’s influence internationally.
As undersecretary for public diplomacy at the U.S. Department of State, Rogers currently oversees programs designed to expand American cultural and educational outreach worldwide.
That includes programs such as the Fulbright Program, one of the United States’ most well-known international academic exchange initiatives.
Her office also handles issues related to the global information environment, including foreign disinformation campaigns and public messaging abroad.
Background as a First Amendment Lawyer
Before joining the Trump administration in October 2025, Rogers worked as a constitutional attorney.
She gained national attention for representing the National Rifle Association in a landmark case before the Supreme Court of the United States.
The lawsuit challenged actions by the New York Department of Financial Services, which had encouraged financial institutions to cut ties with the NRA.
In a unanimous ruling, the Supreme Court sided with the NRA and determined that the state’s actions violated the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
The case was widely viewed as a significant victory for free speech protections and limits on government pressure against political organizations.
Outspoken Critic of Online Censorship
Rogers has also become known for her outspoken views on government regulation of online speech.
On the social media platform X (social media platform), she has repeatedly criticized European governments for passing laws aimed at policing misinformation and online content.
Rogers argues that some of these policies risk suppressing political dissent and restricting freedom of expression.
Her comments have highlighted what she sees as a growing divide between America’s strong constitutional protections for speech and Europe’s more aggressive regulatory approach.
Controversy Over European Political Meeting
Rogers also faced criticism after meeting with Markus Frohnmaier, a member of Germany’s parliament affiliated with the Alternative für Deutschland political party.
Critics questioned the meeting, but Rogers defended it publicly, saying the discussion focused on concerns about government censorship and free speech.
She argued that debates about online expression are becoming increasingly important in democracies around the world.
Backing Trump Administration Visa Ban
Rogers has also supported the Trump administration’s decision to impose visa restrictions on several European activists involved in campaigns targeting online misinformation.
Those affected included Imran Ahmed, head of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, former EU commissioner Thierry Breton, Clare Melford of the Global Disinformation Index, and leaders from the German organization HateAid.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued that the activities of these groups could threaten the speech rights of Americans online.
Rogers echoed that concern, warning that foreign actors attempting to shape or restrict American political speech should not be welcomed into the United States.
A Debate Over Free Speech and Global Media
In public remarks, Rogers has emphasized the importance of the First Amendment as a safeguard against government overreach.
She argues that strong constitutional protections are necessary to prevent regulators from using vague rules to silence viewpoints they disagree with.
With the Senate now set to review her nomination, Rogers could soon find herself leading one of the most influential international media agencies in the U.S. government.
If confirmed, she would take charge of America’s global broadcasting strategy at a time when battles over censorship, misinformation, and information warfare are intensifying worldwide.
