5 things to know about Trump’s FCC pick

President-elect Trump has tapped Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr to be the next chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), teeing the agency up for a likely clash with Big Tech and media companies he has accused of “censoring” conservative views.  Here’s what to know about Carr:

• More than a decade of FCC experience: Carr’s journey at the FCC began more than 10 years ago in 2012 as a staffer. He served as a legal adviser for former FCC Chair Ajit Pai, a Republican, for three years until 2017, when he became the agency’s general counsel. Trump appointed Carr to be a commissioner in 2017, and he was nominated again by President Biden to a term running through 2029. 
• Critic of Big Tech, broadcast networks: An outspoken critic of leading social media companies, Carr is expected to attempt to rein in Big Tech’s power, especially if Section 230 immunity provisions are rolled back by Congress.
• Wrote the FCC section of Project 2025: Carr came under scrutiny from Democrats for writing a section about the FCC’s agenda in Project 2025, the conservative Heritage Foundation’s policy blueprint for a second Trump administration.
• An Elon Musk ally: Carr is one of tech billionaire Elon Musk’s most visible allies and has advocated for federal awards for SpaceX’s satellite service Starlink.  
• Legal industry questions his plans: Some legal experts expressed concerns that Carr’s proposals may not be realistic or fall under the FCC’s authority and will require congressional approval.