Trump appoints Olivia Trusty to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
New Commissioner Olivia Trusty Joins Federal Communications Commission
President-elect Donald Trump has announced the nomination of Olivia Trusty to serve as Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Trusty will join the FCC in mid-2025, adding a Republican to the current 2-2 political balance.
Trusty brings a wealth of experience in communications policy to the FCC. Prior to her role as Policy Director on the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, she worked on the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee. Before that, she spent time at Verizon Communications and Qwest Communications as a senior policy adviser.
In her most recent role, Trusty has been a staffer to Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) since 2019. During this time, she has been instrumental in efforts to bring broadband access to rural areas, such as in Mississippi. She has also advised on legislation contributing to expanded broadband funding and deployment aimed at closing the digital divide.
Incoming FCC chair Brendan Carr has stated that Trusty has had a distinguished career, and her work ethic, issue expertise, and strategic acumen are valuable assets for the FCC. Commissioner Carr, who is set to become chairman, has also expressed that Trusty's nomination will help in efforts to cut regulations, protect Free Speech, and ensure every American has access to affordable and fast Internet.
Democratic FCC commissioner Geoffrey Starks has congratulated Trusty, highlighting her commitment as a public servant and extensive knowledge of the communications sector. Starks believes Trusty's policy-making skills will benefit the agency and the American people. NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt has also issued a statement congratulating Trusty on her nomination. Democratic FCC commissioner Anna M. Gomez has congratulated Trusty, praising her professionalism and background in communications policy.
Trusty's education includes a BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MA from Georgetown University. If confirmed, she will give the Republicans a 3-2 majority on the FCC. Current FCC chair Jessica Rosenworcel has stated that she will resign on Jan. 20, the day Trump is inaugurated. Until Trusty's confirmation, incoming FCC chair Brendan Carr will lead a divided FCC with two Democrats and two Republicans.
As an FCC Commissioner, Trusty advocates policies promoting access, competition, transparency, and accountability in media and telecommunications. She supports innovation and local decision-making in public media funding and reforms, reflecting skepticism about existing government funding models in today's diverse media landscape.
Trump announced the nomination on his Truth Social platform, and many are looking forward to working with Trusty as she begins her tenure at the FCC.
- As an FCC Commissioner, Olivia Trusty advocates for policies promoting access, competition, transparency, and accountability in media and telecommunications.
- Trusty brings a wealth of experience in communications policy to the FCC, having worked on the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and as a senior policy adviser at Verizon Communications and Qwest Communications.
- In her role at the FCC, Trusty may help in efforts to cut regulations, protect Free Speech, and ensure every American has access to affordable and fast Internet.
- With Trusty's nomination, the FCC may see a shift in policy, as she supports innovation and local decision-making in public media funding and reforms.
- Trusty has been instrumental in efforts to bring broadband access to rural areas, such as in Mississippi, and has advised on legislation contributing to expanded broadband funding and deployment.
- Trusty may have a significant impact on digital content, as the FCC regulates broadcast, cable, and satellite television, as well as IP-based media and telecommunications, including the internet.
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