Oliver Darcy reports that Kari Lake, a senior adviser at USAGM, denied RFE/RL access to a U.S. transmitter in Kuwait that could have relayed news into Iran amid protests and internet blackouts. RFE/RL says it repeatedly requested use of the transmitter and has pivoted to commercial vendors for distribution. USAGM issued a statement about coordinating with RFE/RL but did not confirm whether the Kuwait facility would be made available. The decision has drawn criticism from press-freedom advocates and intensified scrutiny of USAGM leadership.
Kari Lake Reportedly Blocks RFE/RL From Using U.S. Transmitter In Kuwait Amid Iran Protests
Kari Lake in front of American flag
Kari Lake, a senior adviser at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), has reportedly denied requests from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) to use a U.S.-owned transmitter in Kuwait to broadcast news and protest updates into Iran, according to Oliver Darcy’s report in his Status newsletter.
RFE/RL says it made repeated requests for access to the powerful Kuwait transmitter as Iran experienced widespread protests and government-imposed internet blackouts. The broadcaster’s Persian service, Radio Farda, told audiences it was arranging alternative distribution through several commercial vendors after being unable to secure use of the USAGM facility.
Lake’s appointment as a senior adviser followed narrow statewide losses in Arizona races in 2022 and 2024. She has at times referred to herself as USAGM’s “acting CEO,” a designation whose legal status has been disputed. Her leadership has drawn criticism from press-freedom and democracy advocates, who cite deep staff and program cuts that they say have weakened the agency’s capacity.
USAGM provided a statement attributed to Lake saying, “USAGM is working to increase its broadcasting message into Iran during this critical time in a number of ways. We are working in close coordination with RFE/RL to ensure consistency of message.” The statement did not clarify whether that coordination includes granting access to the Kuwait transmitter.
Observers noted the decision appears to contrast with public statements from some U.S. officials — including former President Donald Trump — expressing support for Iranian protesters. Darcy’s report says the rationale for denying RFE/RL access to the transmitter was "not entirely clear."
“Whether it’s music or a free press — censorship anywhere is a threat to the truth everywhere,” said R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe, who released a 2025 remix of “Radio Free Europe” on a five-track EP with proceeds benefiting RFE/RL.
The episode has renewed scrutiny of how USAGM manages U.S.-funded broadcasters during international crises and raised questions about internal decision-making at the agency at a time when independent reporting is constrained inside Iran. The original report first appeared on Mediaite and was attributed to Oliver Darcy’s Status newsletter.
Help us improve.
