Trump’s choice for FCC chairman says agency ‘will end’ DEI promotion next year
President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, announced on Monday that the agency will no longer focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) starting next year. Carr, who currently serves as the senior Republican member of the FCC, shared a portion of the agency’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2025, which revealed that promoting DEI was listed as the second-highest strategic goal.
According to Carr, the FCC’s promotion of DEI will come to an end in the upcoming year, with the agency shifting its focus to other strategic goals. The primary goal listed before promoting DEI was pursuing a 100% broadband policy.
The FCC’s budget request for FY2025 highlighted the agency’s commitment to gaining a deeper understanding of how its rules, policies, and programs may impact diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The agency aimed to eliminate barriers that perpetuate disadvantaged or underserved individuals and communities through focused action and investments.
Additionally, the FCC acknowledged the importance of having a workforce that reflects diverse backgrounds to enhance the agency’s management and policymaking processes, ultimately benefiting all Americans.
Following the announcement, Carr expressed his stance on the FCC’s promotion of DEI with a GIF captioned: “When it comes to the FCC’s promotion of DEI, I have just one thing to say: Afuera (get out)!”
President-elect Trump praised Carr’s appointment as FCC chairman, describing him as a “warrior for free speech” who will prioritize delivering for rural America. Carr, who has been serving on the commission since 2017 and continued under President Biden, has been confirmed unanimously by the Senate three times.
The FCC’s strategic goals post promoting DEI include empowering consumers, enhancing public safety and national security, advancing America’s global competitiveness, and fostering operational excellence. Trump’s decision to nominate Carr reflects a shift in the agency’s priorities, aligning with the new chairman’s vision for the FCC’s future direction.
