First 100 Days: Carr Drives The FCC, What's Next?

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the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling against the FCC’s attempt to reinstate net neutrality rules, which had been repealed during Trump’s first term.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.

Carr has suggested that the FCC could consider remedies, including license revocation, for egregious violations, though the FCC’s authority to revoke licenses based on content is limited and controversial. Critics, including Democrats and civil liberties groups, argue these actions risk chilling free speech.

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.

Verizon Investigation: The FCC, under Carr, began investigating Verizon’s DEI efforts, further illustrating his focus on eliminating such programs.

Spectrum Allocation: Carr has prioritized making more spectrum available for commercial use, engaging with the Defense Department and lawmakers to balance economic and national security interests. This aligns with efforts by Senators Ted Cruz and Representative Brett Guthrie to renew the FCC’s spectrum auction authority, which expired two years prior. Carr has also participated in White House discussions to find compromises on spectrum policy.

Support for Starlink: Carr has praised Elon Musk’s Starlink, criticizing the FCC’s 2023 decision to revoke a nearly $900 million broadband subsidy for the company. His policies appear to favor Starlink’s participation in programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD), potentially benefiting Musk’s satellite internet venture. Critics note Musk’s influence within the Trump administration as a factor in Carr’s agenda.

Loud TV Commercials and Robocalls: At the FCC’s first meeting under his leadership in February 2025, Carr announced votes to address consumer complaints about loud TV commercials and robocalls. These actions also included spectrum and public safety matters, signaling a blend of populist and technical priorities.

TikTok Ban Advocacy: Carr has maintained his strong stance against TikTok, calling it “digital fentanyl” and a national security threat due to its ties to China. He has pushed for a ban through the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and urged Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores. While the FCC lacks direct authority to regulate online content, Carr’s rhetoric underscores his focus on Chinese telecom and tech firms.

Pending Commissioner Confirmation: The FCC awaits Senate confirmation of Olivia Trusty, Trump’s nominee for a third Republican commissioner, which would give Republicans a majority. However, a Trump executive order suggests Carr may not need a formal vote to enact some policies, such as relaxing media ownership rules, enhancing his authority.

Carr, a 45-year-old attorney, has served as an FCC commissioner since 2017, with prior roles as the agency’s general counsel and an aide to then-Commissioner Ajit Pai. His earlier career included private practice at Wiley Rein and a clerkship for Judge Dennis Shedd. Known as the “5G crusader,” Carr has a history of promoting infrastructure modernization, broadband expansion, and telehealth initiatives like the Connected Care Pilot Program. His Project 2025 chapter outlined four priorities: reining in Big Tech, promoting national security, unleashing economic prosperity, and ensuring FCC accountability.

Carr’s first 100 days suggest a continued focus on:

• Relaxing media ownership rules to allow greater consolidation.
• Expanding spectrum availability and supporting satellite internet providers.
• Challenging Big Tech through potential reinterpretation of Section 230.
• Pursuing national security policies targeting Chinese telecom firms.
• Maintaining a deregulatory approach to broadband and telecom, with an emphasis on rural connectivity.