FCC member Brendan Carr appointed as leader by Trump: 'Champion of Open Expression'

On Sunday, President-elect Trump revealed that he has appointed Brendan Carr to be the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) effective January.

Trump, who is the current president, first nominated Carr to the FCC in 2017. In a statement released on Sunday night, Carr was commended by Trump for being confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate three times.

Trump designated him as permanent Chairman, as his current term runs through 2029 and he has excelled in his work.

The Republican leader praised Carr as a champion of free speech who has battled against regulatory lawfare that has hindered Americans' freedoms and hampered the economy.

Trump promised to put an end to the regulatory burden that has been hindering America's job creators and innovators, and to ensure that the FCC serves the interests of rural America.

""Brendan Carr, congratulations on a job well done! Lead us into a great future," the president-elect's statement concluded."

On Sunday, in an X post, Carr expressed gratitude to Trump and stated that he is "proud and honored to serve as Chairman of the FCC."

Recently, Carr gained national attention when he criticized "Saturday Night Live" for hosting Kamala Harris as a guest without inviting Trump, which is a violation of FCC rules.

"The official stated that NBC structured the episode to avoid FCC rules, with 50 hours before Election Day and no notice given to other candidates."

According to Carr, the Harris appearance on SNL indicated that the show was taking a stance in favor of one candidate prior to the election.

"The Republican stated that the equal time rule on the book has been in place for decades to prevent the situation described. Broadcasters are in a unique position of trust, as they have a federal government license that obligates them to operate in the public interest."

In November, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) recommended Trump appoint Carr as the next FCC chairman, describing him as a "valuable ally to law enforcement officers."

"Patrick Yoes, national president of the FOP, wrote in a letter that Commissioner Carr has over 20 years of experience in communications and technology policy, as well as a deep understanding of the FCC's institutional knowledge. He believes that Carr would make an excellent FCC Chairman, ensuring the US remains at the forefront of telecommunications advancements and innovations."

Planet Chronicle Digital's Emma Colton and Eric Revell contributed to this report.