FCC Chair Brendan Carr Acknowledges Lack of Independence Amid Trump Administration Influence
On December 17, 2025, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Brendan Carr testified before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, stating that the FCC is not, formally speaking, an independent agency. This declaration followed the removal of the word ‘independent’ from the FCC's mission statement on its website.
Carr, known as a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, made these remarks amid growing concerns about a White House power grab, as the Trump administration sought increased control over independent agencies since January 2025. Earlier in September, Carr was accused of threatening networks for broadcasting content critical of Trump, particularly ABC, following comments made by Jimmy Kimmel.
During the hearing, Senator Amy Klobuchar questioned the appropriateness of threatening companies that aired political satire. In response, Carr cited the public interest standard established by a 1934 law to justify holding broadcasters accountable.
Senator Ed Markey criticized the FCC’s investigation of a San Francisco broadcaster, describing it as government censorship. Carr countered that broadcasters must be accountable to the public interest and abide by rules related to hoaxes and news-distortion policies.
Senator Tammy Baldwin accused Carr of being a “parrot for President Trump” and diminishing the FCC’s independence through his actions and statements.
