What Brendan Carr, Trump's FCC Pick, Wrote in 'Project 2025' Chapter

 

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Brendan Carr, a contributor to Project 2025, as the next chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the agency responsible for regulating telecommunications.

Carr, who is currently serving as one of the five FCC Commissioners, authored a chapter on the agency in Project 2025, a controversial policy proposal by the Heritage Foundation that outlines a conservative vision for Trump's presidency.

Project 2025 became a point of contention during the presidential campaign, with Democrats arguing that it represented Trump's true policy agenda, despite his efforts to distance himself from it. Trump repeatedly claimed to be unfamiliar with the document and its policies, which he suggested were unpopular with voters. 

However, his platform shares several key ideas with those found in Project 2025. Carr’s appointment marks the second time a Project 2025 contributor has been named to Trump’s administration, the first being Tom Homan, who will oversee the administration's mass deportation efforts. Many officials from Trump’s first term contributed to the document.

In his chapter, Carr outlines four major priorities for the FCC:

Regulating Big Tech

Carr advocates for stricter oversight of major technology companies, like Meta (Facebook) and Alphabet (Google), accusing them of using content moderation tactics, such as shadow banning and demonetization, to censor conservative viewpoints without adequate transparency. He believes that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which currently shields these companies from legal liability for user-generated content, should be reformed. Carr calls for greater regulation and the introduction of a transparent appeals process for users whose accounts are banned or demonetized.

Enhancing National Security:

Carr takes a hard stance against Chinese technology companies, arguing that they pose a national security risk due to their ties to the Chinese Communist Party. He supports banning TikTok, claiming it serves as a tool for foreign influence, and advocates for further federal funding to address Chinese-made technology in U.S. infrastructure. He also backs stronger regulations to prevent Chinese firms from accessing American markets.

Boosting Economic Prosperity

Carr suggests that the FCC should foster private sector innovation by modernizing outdated regulations. He highlights the importance of satellite internet projects like Elon Musk's Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper, calling for faster approvals of satellite launch applications to ensure U.S. companies lead the development of space-based internet.

Improving FCC Accountability

Carr stresses the need for greater transparency in the FCC’s decision-making process. He argues that the agency has engaged in inefficient broadband spending and excessive regulation. Carr advocates for reducing outdated regulations to encourage competition and innovation within the communications sector.

Criticism of Project 2025 Connections

Several left-leaning critics have pointed to Carr’s appointment as further evidence that Project 2025 reflects Trump’s intended policies, despite his repeated disavowals. Fox News host Jessica Tarlov shared the nomination letter, sarcastically commenting, “But none of them have anything to do with Project 2025.” Progressive Twitter user @Angry_Staffer remarked, “Another Project 2025 co-author. Go figure.” Journalist Ahmed Baba also pointed out the connection, writing, “Trump picked Brendan Carr, the literal author of Project 2025's chapter on the FCC, to be Chairman of the FCC. Can't say we didn't warn you.”