FCC Commissioner Simington expected to abruptly leave agency

Federal Communications Commissioner Nathan Simington is leaving the agency, as revealed in an internal memo obtained by Fox News Digital. The 31-year-old New York native and outspoken political ally of President Donald Trump, Gavin Wax, is being floated as a likely replacement. If appointed, Wax would be the youngest commissioner in U.S. history and the youngest presidential nominee ever confirmed by the Senate.

According to a source close to the FCC, “Gavin Wax is being seriously considered by the White House to fill the vacancy that will be left by Commissioner Simington’s departure. He’s seen as a strong conservative voice on tech and media policy, with close ties to key figures in both the policy and political arenas.”

Wax’s relationship with the White House extends beyond his potential role at the agency. He previously served as President of the New York Young Republican Club, which holds an annual holiday gala attended by Trump in person and virtually in previous years. Wax also recently published an op-ed praising the work of Vice President JD Vance and hinting at Vance’s potential presidential run after Trump’s term ends.

If selected, President Trump would nominate Wax, initiating the official Senate confirmation process. Simington’s term expired last year, but he was expected to remain as FCC Commissioner until the end of 2025. With Simington’s departure, Wax would fill the vacant GOP commissioner seat, ensuring the agency maintains a balanced composition of five commissioners with a maximum of three from any one party.

The FCC, responsible for regulating and overseeing all media, television, broadcast, radio, internet access, broadband, national emergency communications, spectrum management, and consumer protection in the country, plays a crucial role in shaping the media landscape. Established as part of the Communications Act of 1934, the agency’s decisions have far-reaching implications on the media industry.

Fox News Digital reached out to Simington and the White House for comments on the potential appointment of Gavin Wax but did not receive responses. Preston Mizell, a writer with Fox News Digital covering breaking news, can be contacted for story tips at Preston.Mizell@fox.com.

The possible appointment of Gavin Wax as FCC Commissioner marks a significant shift in the regulatory landscape, with his conservative voice expected to influence key policy decisions in the tech and media sectors. As the youngest nominee in Senate history, Wax’s appointment could have lasting implications on the future direction of the FCC.