President-elect Donald Trump has put forward Brendan Carr as his choice to head the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as chairman, a decision announced on November 17. Carr, who has been a prominent figure on the FCC since December 2017, previously served as the General Counsel of the agency and worked as an aide to former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.
In his statement, Trump praised Carr as a “warrior for free speech” who has been proactive in combating what he sees as regulatory practices that hinder American freedoms and economic growth. Trump expressed confidence that Carr will work to alleviate regulatory burdens on American job creators and innovators.
In his own remarks on social media platform X, Carr expressed his gratitude for the appointment and outlined his intentions for the FCC. He emphasized a commitment to dismantling what he terms the “censorship cartel” and the need to restore individuals’ free speech rights. Additionally, he indicated a desire to reassess the FCC’s stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Carr’s nomination could notably affect the FCC’s handling of satellite broadband in federal subsidy programs. He has been vocal in his criticism regarding the agency’s recent decision to withdraw funding from Starlink under the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), arguing that the decision overstepped regulatory bounds and lacked a robust basis for review. Carr is advocating for a reassessment of how satellite broadband is recognized within competitive discussions, insisting that such services should be regarded as credible competitors, particularly given advancements in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology.
His advocacy extends to broader regulatory concerns, as Carr authored a segment of the conservative Project 2025 policy document, which recommends more stringent regulations on Big Tech, addressing issues like the potential national security risks posed by TikTok, and expediting the approval process for new satellite technology.
Following Trump’s victory in the recent election, Carr provided insights into the priorities of an FCC led by Republicans, asserting that the commission must focus on balancing regulatory concerns related to Big Tech, ensuring that broadcasters are serving the public interest, and promoting economic growth while also enhancing national security.
Overall, Carr’s nomination as FCC chairman reflects a shift towards prioritizing free speech and a competitive telecommunications landscape, which may resonate positively with various stakeholders looking for improvements in regulatory practices and advancements in broadband technology. This change may foster an environment that encourages innovation and maintains essential communication channels for Americans.