Kari Lake, the polarizing Republican and staunch Trump ally, has emerged as a leading contender to serve as President-elect Donald Trump’s ambassador to Mexico. The potential appointment comes as part of Trump’s preparations for his second term, with Lake’s strong border security stance making her a natural fit for the role.
Lake, who lost her recent bid for the Arizona Senate to Democrat Ruben Gallego, has been a prominent figure in Trump’s circle, known for her unwavering support of his policies and claims about the 2020 election. While she has faced electoral setbacks, including her 2022 loss in Arizona’s gubernatorial race to Katie Hobbs, Lake’s loyalty and media savvy continue to solidify her standing within Trump’s inner circle.
Lake’s potential appointment as ambassador underscores her alignment with Trump on one of his cornerstone issues: border security. On the campaign trail, Lake described the surge of migrants at the southern border as an “invasion.” She advocated for completing the border wall, increasing the number of immigration judges, fast-tracking deportations, and building additional detention facilities.
Her outspoken approach has drawn both praise and criticism, with supporters lauding her tough stance and detractors accusing her of inflaming tensions. For Trump, her appointment would signal a continuation of his hardline immigration policies and send a clear message to Mexico about the administration’s priorities.
Lake recently made headlines after a report falsely claimed she was set to join the conservative media outlet Newsmax. Speaking on Steve Bannon’s War Room podcast, she dismissed the report as “fake news” and criticized the media’s credibility.
“That reporting yesterday was absolutely fake news,” Lake told Bannon. “Think about how bad the media is. You cannot hate them enough, Steve. You really, really can’t.”
She detailed the events leading to the erroneous story, stating that both she and Newsmax denied the claims before publication. “They reached out to me, asked if I was negotiating with Newsmax. I said, no. Newsmax said it’s false, and they run the story anyway,” she explained.
Lake’s comments reflect her broader frustrations with the media, an industry she worked in for over two decades as a Phoenix-area newscaster. She compared her treatment to the scrutiny faced by Trump, expressing support for his proposal to revoke broadcasting licenses from outlets accused of spreading misinformation.
“We cannot possibly have enough ire toward the absolute fake news that we already have. Thankfully, it’s starting to collapse,” she said.
Lake’s candidacy for ambassador aligns with her evolution from local newscaster to conservative firebrand. After leaving her position at Fox 10 in Phoenix, she became one of Trump’s most vocal allies, championing his claims about election fraud and railing against what she perceives as media corruption.
Her gubernatorial campaign in 2022 showcased her combative style, with Lake refusing to back down from controversial statements and sparring with establishment Republicans. Despite losing to Katie Hobbs—a campaign marked by Hobbs’ refusal to debate—Lake’s grassroots movement garnered national attention.
During her most recent Senate campaign, Lake sought to moderate some of her positions, particularly on abortion, and attempted to mend relationships with establishment Republicans. These moves were seen as an effort to broaden her appeal, though they fell short of securing a victory.
While Lake considers the ambassador role, she has made it clear that she has no intention of stepping away from the political stage. On Bannon’s podcast, she emphasized her dedication to the conservative movement and her unwillingness to be sidelined.
“I will tell the people listening to this, especially if you’ve got some of the leftists who despise our movement, I’m not going away,” Lake said. “As much as they want me to go away, I am not going away. They can write as many nasty stories about me, filled with lies as they want. We are not going away.”
Lake also hinted at taking time to recharge after years of campaigning, but her remarks make it clear that her political ambitions remain strong.
If selected, Lake’s appointment as ambassador to Mexico would reflect Trump’s strategy of placing loyalists in key roles to advance his agenda. With her media experience, border security expertise, and fierce advocacy, Lake would likely play a pivotal role in U.S.-Mexico relations, particularly on immigration and trade.
However, her appointment could also provoke controversy. Critics argue that Lake’s divisive rhetoric may complicate diplomatic efforts, while supporters believe her unwavering stance on border security is precisely what the role demands.
As Trump finalizes his administration, Lake’s potential ambassadorship symbolizes the broader themes of loyalty, boldness, and alignment with Trump’s vision. Whether in Mexico or elsewhere, Kari Lake’s political journey is far from over.
