D.C. Memo: In Trusty Trump Trusts – GOP Control of FCC in Sight
◾ FCC Approves Fox 29 License Renewal after Long Struggle ◾ AT&T Pulls FWA over N.Y. Inet Rate Law ◾ Non-Rural Cable ISPs Safe from Starlink: Moffett ◾ Cruz to Use CRA to Void FCC's Wi-Fi Hotspots
FCC: President Biden waited 274 days to nominate Gigi Sohn to become the third Democrat on the FCC and FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez wasn't seated as the third Democrat until 978 days into Biden's term. Yesterday, President-elect Trump needed negative four days into his second term to announce the person who will become the FCC's third Republican. "I am pleased to announce that Olivia Trusty will serve as a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)," Trump said on TruthSocial. "Olivia is currently the Policy Director on the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where she has fought tirelessly to grow the Economy, empower Innovation, and reignite the American Dream." Trusty's nomination – and likely quick confirmation by the GOP-controlled Senate – will give Chairman-designate Brendan Carr the voting majority he needs to press ahead with his agenda — which includes the dismantlement of the Big Tech "censorship cartel," as he calls it, deprioritization of diversity, equity and inclusion policies, and an examination of TV station owners' public interest obligations. Carr has said that a TV station license is not a "sacred cow." Trusty, supported by Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) for the key FCC position, is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Georgetown University. "Olivia will work with our incredible new Chairman of the FCC, Brendan Carr, to cut regulations at a record pace, protect Free Speech, and ensure every American has access to affordable and fast Internet. Congratulations Olivia!" Trump said. If confirmed, Trusty would become the first black Republican FCC Commissioner in 20 years.
Carr, trade associations, and various companies saluted Trusty on her nomination. "[Trusty] has gained extensive experience and understanding of communications issues and policy through her years of dedicated public service and we look forward to working with her on policies that will advance America’s global leadership, grow our economy, keep Americans secure, and create opportunity and U.S. jobs, including by increasing access to quality Internet service," Charter Executive Vice President of Government Affairs Catherine Bohigian said.