President-elect Donald Trump has announced Brendan Carr as his pick for chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), signaling a major shift in the agency’s priorities. Carr, a senior Republican FCC commissioner since 2017, has a reputation for advocating deregulation and targeting what he perceives as bias from Big Tech and media organizations. His agenda aligns closely with Trump’s goals, as outlined in the conservative “Project 2025,” where Carr authored a chapter detailing his vision for the FCC.
Carr’s background and path to leadership
Brendan Carr joined the FCC during Trump’s first term, initially serving as the agency’s general counsel before becoming a commissioner. His tenure has been marked by a focus on reducing government oversight in telecommunications and a strong opposition to net neutrality. Carr has also worked closely with tech leaders, including Elon Musk, often praising Musk’s initiatives such as Starlink, the satellite internet service. This connection has fueled speculation that a Carr-led FCC might prioritize funding for such ventures, potentially steering billions in subsidies toward Starlink.
Carr’s previous statements and policy stances suggest his leadership will depart from traditional FCC priorities like broadband expansion and spectrum management, areas championed by past chairs. Instead, Carr has emphasized dismantling “censorship cartels,” promoting free speech, and limiting diversity and inclusion efforts within the agency.
Carr’s priorities for the FCC
- Targeting Big Tech: Carr has criticized tech companies like Meta, Alphabet, and Microsoft for allegedly suppressing conservative viewpoints. In a recent letter, he stated his intent to hold these companies accountable, citing their “curtailment” of First Amendment rights. However, experts note that the FCC lacks direct regulatory authority over tech platforms, making this goal largely symbolic without Congressional intervention.
- Media Accountability: Carr plans to enforce stricter oversight of broadcast licenses, aligning with Trump’s calls to penalize media outlets perceived as hostile. While the FCC has historically approved license renewals with little controversy, Carr has suggested a more stringent interpretation of broadcasters’ obligation to serve the “public interest.”
- Rollbacks of net neutrality rules: Carr has also supported the rollback of net neutrality rules and called for “legislation that scraps” Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which gives immunity to tech platforms that moderate user-generated content. “Congress should do so by ensuring that Internet companies no longer have carte blanche to censor protected speech while maintaining their Section 230 protections,” he wrote in Project 2025.
Project 2025 and its implications
Carr’s vision for the FCC under a second Trump administration is outlined in “Project 2025,” a policy blueprint developed by conservative think tanks. Key elements include:
- Restricting TikTok: Carr has long advocated banning the Chinese-owned social media platform, citing national security concerns.
- Amending Section 230: He has called for legislation to revoke tech platforms’ immunity from liability for user content while allowing them to moderate speech selectively.
- Economic priorities: Carr has proposed initiatives to boost domestic broadband infrastructure, potentially benefiting large telecommunications providers.
These positions underscore his alignment with Trump’s broader regulatory and cultural objectives.
Controversies
Carr’s nomination has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters, including Republican lawmakers, describe him as highly qualified and well-prepared to lead the agency. Gigi Sohn, a former FCC official under a Democratic administration, acknowledged Carr’s expertise despite ideological differences.
However, critics argue that Carr’s close ties to Musk and focus on partisan issues risk undermining the FCC’s role as an impartial regulator. Media reform groups like Free Press have accused him of prioritizing Trump’s vendettas over public interest. Others note the potential challenges of implementing his agenda, given the FCC’s limited authority over tech companies and Congress’s divided stance on telecom policy.
Relationship with Elon Musk
Carr has cultivated a close relationship with Elon Musk, often engaging on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). This relationship has fueled speculation about potential regulatory favoritism, particularly regarding Musk’s Starlink internet service subsidies. Carr has denied any bias, insisting on his commitment to fair regulation
