President-elect Donald Trump has named Brendan Carr as the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). A prominent Republican voice on telecom issues, Carr is known for his criticism of the Biden administration’s tech policies and broadband strategies.
Carr’s Advocacy and Criticism
Carr has been vocal about several controversial issues, including:
- The FCC’s decision to deny $900 million in broadband subsidies to Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink.
- The Biden administration’s $42 billion broadband infrastructure program and its spectrum policies.
- Censorship by Big Tech, accusing companies like Google, Meta, Apple, and Microsoft of restricting free speech.
In his Sunday statement, Carr emphasized the FCC’s role in restoring free speech rights for Americans. His remarks drew criticism from Democratic Senator Ed Markey, who accused him of threatening private companies over their content moderation decisions.
Trump’s Stance on Media Regulation
Trump, who has frequently clashed with media outlets like Disney’s ABC, Comcast’s NBC, and Paramount Global’s CBS, hinted that these broadcasters could face FCC license reviews. He also previously sued CBS over a “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris and criticized NBC’s decision to feature Harris on “Saturday Night Live” before the election.
During his first term, Trump sought to revoke broadcast licenses, though former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai rejected the idea, stating the FCC lacked such authority.
Carr’s Leadership and Policies
Carr has been a staunch advocate for:
- Big Tech accountability, earning praise from the National Association of Broadcasters for supporting policies to level the playing field for local broadcasters.
- A tough stance on China, being the first FCC commissioner to visit Taiwan in 2022 and maintaining strict oversight of Chinese telecom companies.
Carr’s appointment, originally made by Trump in 2017 during his first administration, aligns with Trump’s broader strategy to reshape the FCC with a focus on deregulation and free speech.
Future Challenges for the FCC
Trump’s administration will need to nominate a third Republican commissioner to fill the FCC’s five-member panel and secure control of the agency. The Democrats held full control of the FCC until September 2023, nearly three years into Biden’s presidency.
In a statement, Trump praised Carr as a “warrior for free speech” and a critic of regulatory overreach, reflecting the incoming administration’s priorities for telecom policy and media oversight.
