President-elect Donald Trump nominates Olivia Trusty to the FCC, solidifying Republican control and signaling a shift towards deregulation and increased broadband investment.
At a Glance
- Olivia Trusty, a Republican Senate aide, nominated as FCC Commissioner
- Nomination gives Republicans a 3-2 majority at the FCC
- Trusty’s background includes roles in telecommunications and government relations
- Industry leaders praise the nomination, expecting focus on deregulation and broadband investment
- Brendan Carr picked as new FCC Chairman, replacing outgoing Democrat Jessica Rosenworcel
Trump Nominates Olivia Trusty to FCC
In a move set to reshape the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), President-elect Donald Trump has announced his nomination of Olivia Trusty as the newest commissioner. This strategic appointment is poised to give Republicans a 3-2 majority at the agency, potentially ushering in a new era of telecommunications policy focused on deregulation and increased broadband investment.
Trusty, currently serving as the policy director on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Her background includes positions as a professional staff member on the Senate Armed Services Committee and previous work with prominent figures such as U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker and Rep. Bob Latta.
Trump’s Vision for the FCC
President-elect Trump’s choice of Trusty aligns with his administration’s goals for the FCC. In his announcement, Trump praised Trusty’s dedication to economic growth and innovation, stating:
“she has fought tirelessly to grow the Economy, empower Innovation, and reignite the American Dream” – Trump
Trump further outlined his expectations for Trusty’s role at the FCC, emphasizing a focus on deregulation, free speech protection, and improved internet access:
“Olivia will work with our incredible new Chairman of the FCC, Brendan Carr, to cut regulations at a record pace, protect Free Speech, and ensure every American has access to affordable and fast internet” – Trump
Industry Response to Trusty’s Nomination
The nomination has been met with enthusiasm from key players in the telecommunications industry. Comcast’s chief legal officer, Tom Reid, expressed strong support for Trusty’s appointment, highlighting her expertise in communications policy:
“Olivia Trusty’s extensive knowledge of communications policy makes her an exceptional choice as FCC Commissioner. We look forward to working with her and with the full FCC to address the nation’s crucial communication needs including broadband investment and deregulation. We applaud President-elect Trump on this strong choice.”- Tom Reid
ACA Connects, an organization representing small and midsize cable and telecom operators, also voiced its support. Grant Spellmeyer, the president and CEO of ACA Connects, emphasized the potential benefits for rural communities and independent broadband providers, expressing eagerness to collaborate with Trusty and Chairman Carr to foster innovation in the sector.
Donald Trump Says He Will Nominate Olivia Trusty To Serve On FCC https://t.co/z0Wi0h37gF
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) January 16, 2025
Implications for FCC Policy Direction
With Trusty’s nomination and the appointment of Brendan Carr as the new FCC Chairman, the agency is set for a significant shift in policy direction. The Republican majority is expected to prioritize deregulation efforts, potentially rolling back some of the regulations implemented during the previous administration.
Trusty’s background in both government and the private sector, including roles as a consultant for Verizon and a policy representative at Qwest, suggests she will bring a pro-business perspective to the commission. This aligns with the Trump administration’s broader goals of reducing regulatory burdens and stimulating economic growth through private sector investment.
As the FCC prepares for this transition, industry observers and stakeholders will be closely watching how Trusty’s appointment influences key issues such as net neutrality, broadband deployment in rural areas, and the ongoing development of 5G technology. The coming months are likely to reveal the full extent of the policy changes that this new Republican-led FCC will pursue.
Sources:
- Donald Trump Nominates Republican Senate Staffer Olivia Trusty as FCC Commissioner
- Trump nominates Olivia Trusty for FCC commissioner as agency would gain Republican control
