Brendan Carr assumed the role of Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on January 20, 2025, following his appointment by President Donald Trump. His first 100 days, spanning January 20 to April 29, 2025, have been marked by an aggressive push to reshape the FCC’s priorities, aligning them with a deregulatory, free-market, and conservative agenda.
During Carr's First 100 Days:
On March 13, 2025, Carr announced a sweeping deregulatory initiative aimed at reducing regulatory burdens on the telecommunications industry. The move was intended to foster innovation and economic growth by streamlining federal permitting and cutting red tape, consistent with an executive order signed by President Trump on his first day back in office. The order directed agencies to simplify processes under the National Environmental Policy Act, which governs environmental permitting for federal projects.
Opposition to Net Neutrality: Carr celebrated the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling against the FCC’s attempt to reinstate net neutrality rules, which had been repealed during Trump’s first term. He has consistently opposed net neutrality, viewing it as excessive regulation that stifles innovation. His leadership has ensured the FCC maintains a light-touch regulatory approach, prioritizing competition over consumer protection mandates.
Revival of Media Complaints: Carr reopened complaints against major broadcast networks (CBS, NBC, ABC) that were dismissed by his predecessor, Jessica Rosenworcel, just before Trump’s inauguration. These complaints relate to perceived political bias during the 2024 election:
- CBS: Allegations of biased editing in a 60 Minutes interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
- NBC: Violation of the FCC’s Equal Time rule due to Harris’ appearance on Saturday Night Live before the election.
- ABC: Concerns over the handling of a Trump-Harris presidential debate.
Investigation of Public Broadcasters: Carr launched probes into NPR and PBS for allegedly airing commercials, which could violate rules governing non-commercial broadcasting.
Criticism of Big Tech: Carr wrote to major tech companies (Meta, Google, Apple, Microsoft) in November 2024, accusing them of censoring Americans. As chairman, he has prioritized “reining in Big Tech” and dismantling what he calls the “censorship cartel,” advocating for changes to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to reduce legal immunities for internet companies.
Anti-DEI Crusade: Carr has made dismantling DEI initiatives a cornerstone of his agenda, aligning with Trump’s broader push against such programs. He axed FCC initiatives from the Rosenworcel era, including a proposal to ban bulk billing and efforts to combat digital discrimination, which he criticized as giving the government excessive control over internet operations.
Disney DEI Probe: In March 2025, Carr sent a letter to Disney (ABC’s parent company) to investigate whether its DEI initiatives violate the FCC’s equal employment opportunity requirements for licensees. He has also threatened to block mergers involving companies with DEI programs, signaling a broader intent to challenge corporate diversity policies.