Under Chairman Brendan Carr, the FCC has shifted its focus from upholding consumer protections to pursuing politically motivated investigations. The agency is now used to intimidate companies and media organizations that oppose Trumpism, including pressuring firms to abandon DEI initiatives, reflecting an alarming alignment with authoritarian tactics.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr initiated an investigation into NPR and PBS for allegedly violating guidelines by airing commercials. This move comes amid heightened political pressures following President Trump’s executive order to cut federal funding for these broadcasters, raising concerns about potential misuse of regulatory authority to suppress independent media.

The FCC has launched an investigation into companies aligned with the Chinese Communist Party, such as Huawei, ZTE, and others, to address national security concerns. The agency is using Letters of Inquiry and subpoenas to gather information on these entities, reinforcing efforts to safeguard America’s communications infrastructure.

The FCC, under Chairman Brendan Carr during the Trump administration, has employed coercive regulatory tactics to micromanage corporate decisions, particularly targeting editorial policies and DEI initiatives. The chairman used his power to unilaterally direct enforcement actions, including ordering companies like Comcast to provide detailed accounts of their DEI programs and initiating investigations into media outlets. This approach has been criticized as an abuse of power, undermining transparency and procedural fairness.

A Harvard paper by Norm Alster highlights how the FCC has become increasingly dominated by the wireless industry, compromising its regulatory independence and raising public health concerns. The article outlines how the agency’s decisions appear to echo industry lobbying and interests, indicating a classic case of regulatory capture.

The FCC issued a Report and Order establishing programs to replace insecure communications equipment and services, aiming to protect the nation's communications networks against national security threats.

The FCC’s Political Programming webpage details a series of enforcement actions, including numerous Consent Decrees and related regulatory measures (with actions as recent as 10/25/22). These measures are part of the agency’s efforts to ensure compliance with political file rules, promote transparency in broadcast practices, and uphold democratic norms in media operations.