Federal Communications Commissioner Geoffrey Starks announced on today, his intention to resign from his post this spring, marking the end of a impactful tenure at the FCC. In a statement released today, Starks revealed he had sent a letter to President Trump and Senate Majority Leader, signaling his departure after years of service dedicated to advancing connectivity, innovation, and consumer protection. His exit, expected in the coming months, will close a chapter defined by collaboration and a focus on bridging America’s digital divide.
“Serving the American people as a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission has been the honor of my life,” Starks said in his statement. Appointed in January 2019 by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the Senate, Starks has been a vocal advocate for equitable broadband access, national security in telecommunications, and robust consumer safeguards. His tenure overlapped with a transformative period for the FCC, including the rollout of 5G, the push to close rural connectivity gaps, and heightened scrutiny of foreign tech influence—issues he tackled alongside fellow Commissioners and the agency’s career staff.
Starks highlighted the collective achievements of the FCC under his watch, crediting “extraordinary fellow Commissioners and the incredible career staff” for their shared efforts. “We have worked hard to connect all Americans, promote innovation, protect consumers, and ensure national security,” he noted. His approach often emphasized direct engagement, with Starks citing lessons learned from hearing Americans’ concerns firsthand as a cornerstone of his service. From town halls to Capitol Hill, he’s been a visible figure pushing for policies like Spectrum’s $7 billion rural broadband expansion and stricter oversight of telecom supply chains.
FCC Chairmand Brendan Carr released a statement on Starks leaving:
“I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to my friend and colleague Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. He has had a tremendous run in public service. From senior leadership roles at the Department of Justice and in the Commission’s own Enforcement Bureau to serving as the Senior Democrat on the Federal Communications Commission, the American people have benefited greatly from Commissioner Starks’ public service.
“Commissioner Starks led many of the FCC’s national security initiatives, and I welcomed the chance to work closely with him on important matters, including promoting new innovations, protecting consumers, and bringing families across the digital divide. Commissioner Starks put in the work and leaves an impressive legacy of accomplishments in public service. I always learned a lot from him and benefited from the many events we held together.
“I wish Geoffrey, his wife Lauren, and their children all the best. And I look forward to continuing our friendship after his public service ends.”
His departure leaves a vacancy on the five-member commission, currently split 3-2 with Republicans in the majority under Chairman Brendan Carr. Trump will nominate a replacement, subject to Senate confirmation, though no timeline or frontrunner has emerged.
Starks, a Democrat and former enforcement attorney at the Justice Department, brought a pragmatic yet progressive lens to the FCC. His resignation statement expressed gratitude for the “passion, engagement, and commitment” he witnessed from colleagues, advocates, and industry leaders—an inspiration he plans to carry forward.
As spring nears, Starks’ exit will mark a transition for the FCC at a pivotal moment, with streaming and broadband reshaping how Americans connect.
Please follow us on Facebook and X for more news, tips, and reviews. Need cord cutting tech support? Join our Cord Cutting Tech Support Facebook Group for help. You can find Luke on X HERE.