Arizona Republican Kari Lake has issued a fresh warning, expressing concerns about President-elect Donald Trump‘s mass deportation plan. In her statement, she also criticized the media, stating that they will likely attempt to portray it in a negative light.
Why It Matters
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In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump named Lake, a former television news anchor, as his pick to oversee the state-funded media network Voice of America (VOA). He expressed his confidence that Lake would utilize her role to combat the “Fake News Media.”
VOA creates news content for global audiences, delivering broadcasts in numerous foreign languages.
During his first term, there were concerns raised that Trump was trying to transform VOA into a propaganda machine. Politico reported on this issue. Now, in his second term, there could be similar criticisms emerging as he has appointed Lake, who has been known to promote false narratives in favor of Trump, particularly regarding his loss in the 2020 election to President Joe Biden.
As Trump prepares to resume office next month, he is poised to enforce a series of strict immigration policies. These policies, aimed at curbing illegal migration, include mass deportations.
What To Know
Lake discussed Trump’s deportation plan during his appearance at AmericaFest in Phoenix on Saturday.
“We are repatriating individuals to their home countries, with the intention of freeing up our nation for its own citizens. However, it is crucial to prevent the media from distorting the narrative. We are fully aware that they will attempt to spin the situation and portray it as the most dire circumstance imaginable,” Lake expressed.
“I view it as individuals returning to their homeland, striving to improve their own country and our country simultaneously… We must resist when false information attempts to undermine President Trump’s efforts to enhance our nation, as they may attempt to distort his actions.”
Kari Lake, a strong supporter of Trump and a believer in the idea that the 2020 election was fraudulent, has expressed similar views on strict immigration policies during her campaign for the U.S. Senate in Arizona. Unfortunately, Lake was unsuccessful in her bid for the Senate, losing to Democrat Ruben Gallego. Additionally, she faced defeat in her 2022 run for Arizona governor, losing to Democrat Katie Hobbs.
Lawmakers have raised concerns about the president-elect’s mass deportation plan, questioning its potential wide-sweeping approach instead of a more targeted program aimed at removing migrant criminals.
What People Are Saying
Twenty-six Republican governors have expressed their support for President Trump’s efforts to safeguard American citizens from what they perceive as harmful open border policies. In a signed letter, these governors emphasized their united stance on the matter.
The signatories included Greg Abbott of Texas, Henry McMaster of South Carolina, and Ron DeSantis of Florida.
“When the Biden Administration declined to secure our borders and uphold the rule of law, Republican governors stepped up,” the letter stated. “We deployed state resources, including law enforcement and National Guard units, to safeguard Americans from the detrimental consequences of open border policies and to counter the overwhelming influx of illegal immigration into our nation.”
Democratic governors and mayors have made a commitment to safeguard undocumented migrants in their communities. They have implemented sanctuary laws that effectively prevent local officials and law enforcement from providing assistance to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Several governors and city mayors have expressed their opposition to the plans, citing concerns over the logistical challenges of targeting the estimated 11 million undocumented migrants.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs expressed her strong stance against ineffective policies during a recent press conference. She emphasized the importance of implementing measures that truly contribute to the ongoing critical efforts aimed at ensuring the safety and security of communities. Governor Hobbs firmly stated her intolerance towards any actions that may terrorize communities or pose threats to the well-being of the people of Arizona.
What Happens Next
The incoming administration is already preparing to carry out Trump’s immigration agenda as he resumes office next month.
On his first day in office, President Trump is anticipated to sign a set of executive orders that will prioritize mass deportations and bolster border security. These were crucial commitments made during his victorious campaign.
Before assuming her new position, Lake will have to be appointed by the U.S. Agency for Global Media, the federal agency responsible for overseeing VOA.