Donald Trump Appoints Brendan Carr as FCC Chairman, Promises Overhaul of Big Tech Oversight
President-elect Donald Trump announced Sunday that Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will serve as the agency’s new chairman. Carr, a seasoned FCC member and former general counsel, has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times, with nominations under both Trump and President Joe Biden.
The FCC, an independent agency overseeing broadcasting, telecommunications, and broadband, could face significant shifts under Trump’s leadership. Trump has previously proposed bringing the FCC under closer White House control, intending to use it to address perceived media bias and regulate TV networks critical of him. Critics argue that such moves could compromise the FCC’s independence and its ability to act as an impartial regulator.
Carr is a strong supporter of Trump’s regulatory vision. He recently contributed to the FCC section of the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” a conservative framework outlining plans to streamline the federal workforce and restructure agencies, including the FCC, to align with Trump’s policy goals.
In his statement congratulating Trump, Carr highlighted the FCC’s potential role in curbing Big Tech and ensuring broadcasters act in the public interest. “Commissioner Carr is a warrior for Free Speech,” Trump said. “He will end the regulatory onslaught crippling America’s job creators and innovators and ensure that the FCC delivers for rural America.”
A Shift in Focus for the FCC
The five-member commission currently holds a 3-2 Democratic majority. However, Trump will have the opportunity to appoint a new member in 2025, potentially shifting the balance to favor his administration’s priorities. Carr’s appointment signals an agenda focused on reducing regulatory barriers and increasing oversight of tech giants.
This shift could have far-reaching implications, leading to heightened scrutiny of Big Tech and stricter regulations aimed at curbing perceived biases and unfair practices.
Carr has voiced concerns about what he describes as regulatory overreach. In a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed, he criticized the FCC’s decision to revoke a federal award for Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service, calling it “regulatory lawfare” targeting a prominent conservative figure.
A Polarizing Voice
Carr has become a notable figure in political and media debates, frequently sharing his views on platforms like Fox News. He recently criticized Vice President Kamala Harris’s Saturday Night Live appearance for not providing Trump equal airtime, echoing broader conservative critiques of media fairness.
Known for his op-eds and public commentary, Carr’s alignment with Trump’s stances on media and technology regulation is clear. His leadership at the FCC is expected to bring significant changes, aligning with Trump’s broader goals of reshaping federal agencies and challenging the influence of Big Tech.
As Carr takes the helm, the FCC is poised for a dramatic transformation, reflecting Trump’s commitment to leveraging regulatory power to champion conservative values and support economic growth in rural America.