Reactions to President-Elect Donald Trump's Choice of Brendan Carr to Chair the FCC

US Representative Bob Latta (R-OH) said, "Congratulations to Brendan Carr on being named the next Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission by President-elect Trump. Commissioner Carr has been steadfast in his work at the FCC to help close the digital divide, protect free speech, and safeguard American communications networks from communist Chinese influence. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Commissioner Carr on these initiatives in the House Commerce Committee in the 119th Congress, and I know he will make an excellent Chairman of the FCC."

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said, "I want to congratulate Commissioner Carr on the announcement by the President-elect that he will serve as the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. This agency has responsibility for communications technology that is vital for everything in modern civic and commercial life. It is also fortunate to have extraordinary expertise thanks to the hardworking public servants who labor faithfully to implement the law and help build a digital future that works for everyone. From his time here, I am confident that Commissioner Carr is familiar with the staff, the responsibilities of this new role, and the importance of continued US leadership in communications."

Federal Communications Commissioner Geoffrey Starks said, “I congratulate my friend and colleague Commissioner Brendan Carr on the announcement that he will serve as the next Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Commissioner Carr is a dedicated public servant and a recognized leader on the many issues before the Commission today, and I deeply respect his work. Most importantly, we have worked together on numerous bipartisan priorities, including national security, connectivity, and media policy, and I look forward to continuing that important work.”

Federal Communications Commissioner Nathan Simington said, "I want to extend my heartiest congratulations to Chairman-Designate Carr on his well-deserved nomination. He will be a great and transformative Chairman, and I look forward to serving alongside him on the Carr Commission!"

“Commissioner Brendan Carr has a record of positions and unanswered questions that should concern those who champion the public interest in tech and telecommunications policy," said Chris Lewis, President and CEO at Public Knowledge. "As the author of the Project 2025 chapter on the FCC, he has supported policy changes that both threaten free expression online and changes the understanding of the FCC’s authority...Carr’s positions are of great concern, bringing the threat of arbitrariness and political motivations into the deliberations of an independent agency. As we have done, we will find common ground with Carr when possible, but these views of arbitrary agency authority should concern everyone. It is the duty of Congress, and ultimately the voting American public, to conduct careful oversight of the unprecedented direction Commissioner Carr plans to take the FCC as chair."

"Brendan Carr has been campaigning for this job with promises to do the bidding of Donald Trump and Elon Musk," said Free Press Action Co-CEO Craig Aaron. "Carr doesn’t care about protecting the public interest; he got this job because he will carry out Trump and Musk’s personal vendettas. While styling himself as a free-speech champion, Carr refused to stand up when Trump threatened to take away the broadcast licenses of TV stations for daring to fact-check him during the campaign. This alone should be disqualifying...The public needs a watchdog looking out for them at this independent agency, not an attack dog for Trump and Musk."

David Dorwart, Chairman of the National Lifeline Association (NaLA), said, "The National Lifeline Association congratulates Commissioner Brendan Carr on being named the next Chair of the FCC. NaLA looks forward to working with Commissioner Carr to reform and refund the Universal Service Fund and Affordable Connectivity Program. These programs are essential in keeping the most vulnerable Americans — veterans, seniors and families — connected to the internet, NaLA is committed to working with Cmr. Carr and the entire FCC to ensure the future and integrity of these essential programs."

“When people tell you what they plan to do, you should believe them. Brendan Carr has clearly stated that he plans to attack Section 230 and force online platforms to carry sludge,” said Chamber of Progress Founder and CEO Adam Kovacevich. “That’s why Democrats need to defend Section 230, which protects content moderation and keeps the Internet from becoming a cesspool.”

Michael Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, said, "We congratulate Commissioner Carr on being named the next Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Commissioner Carr has consistently shown a thoughtful commitment to policymaking that fosters consumer welfare through competition and innovation in the marketplace. We look forward to working with incoming Chairman Carr and all members of the Commission to promote policies that drive continued investment and support the growth of robust networks and services."

“NTCA congratulates Commissioner Carr on his designation to serve as FCC chairman," said Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of the NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association. "Commissioner Carr has long been a champion of rural broadband who understands the importance of getting and keeping communities connected. NTCA and our members have particularly appreciated his commitment to taking a firsthand look at the benefits of deploying and delivering broadband through his frequent ‘Carr Trips’ across rural America. We look forward to continuing to work with incoming Chairman Carr in this new leadership role."

USTelecom President and CEO Jonathan Spalter said, "Brendan Carr has been a proven leader and an important partner in our shared goal to connect all Americans. With his deep experience and expertise, Commissioner Carr clearly understands the regulatory challenges and opportunities across the communications landscape. All of us in America’s broadband community congratulate him on being named the next Chairman of the FCC.  I very much look forward to working with him, his team, and the dedicated professionals of the FCC to achieve a fully connected future."

“On behalf of the entire wireless industry, I want to congratulate Commissioner Carr," said CTIA President & CEO Meredith Attwell Baker. "For years, he has been a vital, leading voice on wireless policy, championing the infrastructure reforms and spectrum action needed to spur investment, grow our economy, create jobs, and drive innovation across industries. We look forward to continuing to work closely together to secure America’s 5G leadership and economic competitiveness.”

Patrick Halley, President and CEO of the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), said, "Commissioner Carr has been a steadfast champion for the deployment of wireless networks, consistently leading reforms to streamline the wireless infrastructure siting process and calling for an accelerated path to a spectrum pipeline. He recognizes that the key to America’s economic success, the safety of our communities, and the welfare of all Americans depends on the infrastructure that powers the best wireless networks in the world. WIA congratulates Commissioner Carr on his appointment as FCC Chairman and we look forward to continuing to work with him and his staff to advance wireless connectivity in every community."

"We are thrilled to support Brendan Carr's selection as the next FCC Chair.  Commissioner Carr has been a steadfast advocate for rural communities, consistently championing policies that ensure rural carriers receive fair treatment," stated Eric Cramer, Rural Wireless Association (RWA) President and CEO of RiverStreet. "We trust that under his leadership, the FCC will continue to prioritize the needs of rural America, ensure that all communities have access to reliable and robust wireless broadband services, and protect rural wireless carriers from harmful interference that may be posed by non-terrestrial operations."