WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump has announced the appointment of Brendan Carr as the new chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Carr, a senior Republican member of the commission, will oversee the vital agency responsible for regulating broadcasting, telecommunications, and broadband.
A seasoned FCC member, Carr has held the position of general counsel and has received unanimous Senate confirmation three times. Both Trump and President Joe Biden have nominated him, underscoring his significance within the agency.
While the FCC operates as an independent body under congressional oversight, Trump has indicated a desire to exert more control over the agency. He aims to leverage it as a tool to address concerns about media coverage that he perceives as unfavorable.
Recently, Carr has aligned his views with Trump’s stance on social media and technology regulation. He contributed to “Project 2025,” a comprehensive plan advocating for significant changes to federal agencies and workforce dynamics in a potential second Trump administration.
In a statement congratulating Trump on his election victory, Carr emphasized the FCC’s critical role in regulating Big Tech, ensuring broadcasters act in the public interest, and fostering economic growth.
“Commissioner Carr is a champion for Free Speech and has actively fought against regulatory burdens that impede American freedoms and economic progress,” said Trump on Sunday. “He will eliminate the regulatory barriers hindering job creators and innovators and ensure that the FCC serves the interests of rural America.”
The five-member FCC currently has a 3-2 Democratic majority, which will change next year when Trump has the opportunity to appoint an additional member.
Carr has previously voiced his opinions on significant media appearances and decisions affecting the telecommunications landscape. Recently, he criticized an FCC ruling that revoked a federal award for a satellite service, arguing it did not reflect an objective evaluation of the situation and could be perceived as politically motivated.
