D.C. Memo: Carr Named FCC Chairman Just Hours after Trump Takes Oath
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Carr: President Trump, within hours of taking his oath of office on Capitol Hill yesterday, signed an order designating Brendan Carr, 46, as his new FCC Chairman, a commitment Trump made on Nov. 17 in which he referred to Carr as a "warrior for free speech." As a sitting commissioner, Carr does not require Senate confirmation. Carr announced the news on his X feed at 3:40 p.m. EST followed by an FCC-issued press release at 4:51 p.m. EST. "I am deeply grateful to President Trump and honored by his decision to designate me as Chairman of the [FCC]," Carr said. "I am humbled by the opportunity to lead the FCC." In terms of policy, Carr said the agency would move forward on a range of issues, including "tech and media regulation to unleashing new opportunities for jobs and growth through agency actions on spectrum, infrastructure, and the space economy. We will also advance America's national security interests and protect consumers." The FCC updated its leadership webpage immediately to show the agency had a new chairman. (See screenshot below.) FCC Democrat Anna Gomez in a cordial statement Monday called Carr "a talented lawyer with significant experience in communications law and a demonstrated commitment to public service." Gomez didn’t spoil Carr’s big day by reprising some of the taunts at Trump and Carr in the statement she read at last Thursday’s FCC open meeting. Many Carr backers were quick with the social media high fives. "Let's go!!!!" Nathan Leamer, head of Fixed Gear Strategies and an aide to former Republican FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, blasted on his X feed on the Carr news. Joel Thayer, President of the Digital Progress Institute, who has also worked for Pai, FTC Commissioner Maureen Ohlhausen and former Rep. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) said, "Chairman Carr definitely has a nice ring to it. You’ve been a champion for free speech and a true promoter of the innovation economy. So look forward to your tenure as chair!" Thayer said. Former Republican FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell (2006-2013), went on X to honor Carr's new title. "Congrats to my friend and former FCC colleague Brendan Carr for his much-deserved elevation to FCC Chair! Get ready for many positive and constructive changes," McDowell said.