President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, is stirring discussions on several hot-button issues, from social media censorship to expanding rural internet access.
Carr, a current FCC member, brings a background steeped in conservative ideals, including contributions to the controversial Project 2025.
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Social Media Censorship and Free Speech
Carr has taken a firm stance on social media censorship. In a recent post on X, Carr declared, “We must dismantle the censorship and restore free speech rights to everyday Americans.” His comments highlight the long-standing debate over Section 230, a provision shielding social media companies from liability for user content while allowing them to moderate it.
We must dismantle the censorship cartel and restore free speech rights for everyday Americans.
— Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) November 18, 2024
Political science professor Daniel Cronrath from Florida State College at Jacksonville explains why free speech is such an important topic of discussion in America.
“You mention Section 230 and a lot of people on the right, [but] many people on the far left are also free speech champions. It’s one of these places where left-leaning liberalism and right-leaning conservatism meet,” he said.
Controversy Around Project 2025
Democratic concerns about Carr’s nomination stem from his association with Project 2025, a document outlining conservative policy initiatives. The Heritage Foundation drafted the project, which received criticism during Trump’s campaign. Trump distanced his administration from the document, stating he had no involvement.
Cronrath points out that such projects often remain below the radar of presidential candidates but can influence policy at a staff level. “It’s quite possible President Trump is not aware of a lot of the content of Project 2025, but certainly at the staff level, they are,” Cronrath says.
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Media Licensing and Rural Internet Access
Carr has also drawn attention for his stance on broadcast media. In a recent X post, he criticized national networks, stating, “Broadcast media have had the privilege of using a scarce and valuable public resource—our airwaves. In turn, they are required by law to operate in the public interest.” Critics argue this approach could pressure networks into favoring the administration in their coverage to maintain licensing.
Broadcast media have had the privilege of using a scarce and valuable public resource—our airwaves. In turn, they are required by law to operate in the public interest.
— Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) November 18, 2024
When the transition is complete, the FCC will enforce this public interest obligation.
On a more bipartisan issue, Carr has emphasized the importance of high-speed internet in rural areas, an initiative he has criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for not prioritizing.
Cronrath explains the political undertones, saying, that because rural voters supported Trump heavily in the last election, “there will be an incentive to reward the voter base and provide equal access for the American people.”
Opposition to DEI Initiatives
Since Trump announced his nomination, Carr has also voiced his opposition to the FCC’s promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, continuing to align with conservative values.
The FCC’s most recent budget request said that promoting DEI was the agency’s second highest strategic goal.
— Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) November 18, 2024
Starting next year, the FCC will end its promotion of DEI. pic.twitter.com/we7ViUXczA
Brendan Carr’s confirmation hearing will undoubtedly reignite debates on free speech, media responsibility, and access to critical infrastructure, making his nomination one to watch closely.