In a move signaling a potential shift in media regulation policy, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Brendan Carr as the new chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The announcement came on Sunday, marking a significant choice for an agency that oversees the nation’s communications sectors including radio, television, and cable.
Trump praised Carr, describing him as a “warrior for Free Speech,” during a press statement. “Commissioner Carr has fought against the regulatory lawfare that has stifled Americans’ freedoms and held back our economy,” Trump said. He emphasized that Carr’s leadership would aim to dismantle what he described as an overburdening regulatory environment, thereby aiding America’s job creators and innovators, particularly in rural areas.
Carr, who has been serving as the top Republican commissioner at the FCC, responded to his appointment via a post on X. “Thank you, President Trump! I am humbled and honored to serve as Chairman of the FCC. Now we get to work,” he wrote, signaling his readiness to take on his new role. Efforts to reach Carr for further comments were unsuccessful.
Carr’s appointment comes with a backdrop of his involvement in Project 2025, a conservative initiative aimed at reshaping federal governance. In his contribution to the project, Carr outlined his vision for the FCC, which includes tightening regulations on Big Tech, enhancing national security, promoting economic growth, and ensuring accountability within the FCC.
One of his notable stances was on the regulation of social media platforms. Carr has advocated for a reevaluation of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, suggesting that internet companies should not have unchecked power to censor content while enjoying legal protections. His views align with broader conservative critiques of Big Tech’s content moderation practices.
Additionally, Carr has been vocal about the need to address the security risks posed by foreign technology companies, notably calling for a potential ban on TikTok unless it severs ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. This stance reflects a tension within Trump’s own policy positions, as he had previously expressed support for TikTok before making a personal account on the platform.
The FCC, an independent agency, maintains a bipartisan structure with its five commissioners. The appointment of Carr, whose term extends through 2029, is expected to influence the direction of communications policy, particularly concerning free speech, media ownership, and the regulation of digital platforms in the coming years.