Donald Trump’s second term meant new faces in old offices, but one appointment stood out for its mix of loyalty, politics, and raw regulatory muscle: Brendan Carr as chair of the Federal Communications Commission.
He’s not a household name, but he’s the guy currently holding the biggest hammer over America’s airwaves — and his fingerprints are all over the latest media clash with Jimmy Kimmel.
The Basics
- Name: Brendan Thomas Carr
- Position: FCC Chair since Jan. 20, 2025
- Background: FCC Commissioner since 2017; formerly FCC general counsel
- Ties: Close to conservative legal circles and the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025”
Why Carr Matters Now
- Trump wanted an FCC chair who was both ideologically aligned and battle-tested. Carr fit perfectly.
- His mandate: rein in Big Tech, loosen spectrum policy for telecoms, and push broadcasters to “serve the public interest” — a phrase now carrying heavy political weight.
- Carr is at the center of the Jimmy Kimmel Live! suspension, blasting Kimmel’s comments as “truly sick” and hinting at license consequences for ABC/Disney. That’s not subtle.
Carr’s Regulatory Agenda
- Tech Oversight: Exploring whether to chip away at Section 230 protections.
- Spectrum & Infrastructure: Aggressive rollout of broadband and 5G spectrum access.
- Media & Broadcast: Willing to use licensing threats against networks seen as crossing the line.
- Political Pressure Valve: Carr’s FCC is a tool in Trump’s broader campaign to discipline media and tech.
Flashpoints So Far
- Jimmy Kimmel Fight: Turned a late-night spat into a national regulatory showdown.
- Broadcaster Scrutiny: Affiliates like Nexstar and Sinclair leaned into Carr’s stance, pulling Kimmel, effectively weaponizing affiliate control.
- Pushback: Democrats and watchdog groups say Carr is abusing his post, turning FCC power into a censorship cudgel.
Carr’s Style
- Lawyerly but sharp, Carr has been a reliable partisan voice at the FCC since 2017.
- Known for his media appearances, quick soundbites, and ability to blend regulatory detail with political punchlines.
- He’s not a back-room bureaucrat; he’s a political player.
Prediction Outlook
- Carr will stay in Trump’s circle as long as he keeps delivering results — particularly against tech platforms and liberal-leaning broadcasters.
- Expect further skirmishes where the FCC inserts itself into high-profile media controversies.
- Odds are rising that Carr becomes one of Trump’s most visible enforcers, with networks and affiliates recalculating every monologue and programming choice around the new FCC climate.
