WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — On Sunday, President-elect Donald Trump officially appointed Brendan Carr, who currently serves as the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to lead the agency. The FCC is responsible for overseeing broadcasting, telecommunications, and broadband services in the U.S.

Carr has been a member of the FCC for several years, and prior to his current role, he held the position of general counsel for the agency. He has received bipartisan support in the Senate, having been confirmed three times with unanimous votes. Carr was nominated to the FCC by both Trump and President Joe Biden during their respective terms.

While the FCC functions as an independent entity under Congressional oversight, Trump has expressed intentions to have more direct influence over the agency’s operations. This desire appears partly motivated by a wish to retaliate against television networks that provide unfavorable coverage of him.

Recently, Carr has shown support for Trump’s views regarding social media and technology regulation. He was involved in crafting the FCC’s section within “Project 2025,” a comprehensive strategy developed by the Heritage Foundation aimed at significantly reducing the federal workforce and reforming federal agencies if Trump returns to office.

Although Trump has claimed he is unfamiliar with the specifics of Project 2025, there seems to be a convergence between its objectives and his previous public statements.

In a statement congratulating Trump on his election victory, Carr expressed his belief that the FCC has a crucial role in managing “Big Tech,” ensuring that broadcasting serves the public good, and fostering economic expansion.

Trump praised Carr by stating, “Commissioner Carr is a warrior for Free Speech and has fought against regulatory overreach that has hindered Americans’ freedoms and our economy. He will put an end to the regulatory burdens that have stifled job creators and innovators, ensuring that the FCC advocates for rural America.”

At present, the FCC consists of five members, with a Democratic majority of 3-2. This balance is expected to shift next year when Trump is scheduled to select a new commissioner.