President-elect Donald Trump announced Olivia Trusty as his nominee for FCC Commissioner, positioning the Senate Commerce Committee policy director to help shape communications policy. The appointment would establish a Republican 3-2 majority at the regulatory agency.
Trusty brings significant Capitol Hill experience to the role. She currently serves as policy director on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, following earlier work with Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Representative Bob Latta (R-Ohio). Her experience includes working as a consultant for Verizon and serving as a policy representative at Qwest.
“Olivia has fought tirelessly to grow the Economy, empower Innovation, and reignite the American Dream,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The president-elect emphasized her future partnership with incoming FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, stating they would “cut regulations at a record pace, protect Free Speech, and ensure every American has access to affordable and fast internet.”
Current FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel plans to step down and depart the FCC on Monday when Trump takes office. Her departure will initially leave the commission with a 2-2 partisan split until Trusty’s Senate confirmation.
Industry leaders have voiced support for the nomination. Comcast Chief Legal Officer Tom Reid praised Trusty’s “extensive knowledge of communications policy,” while ACA Connects President Grant Spellmeyer highlighted her “record of accomplishment.”
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Democratic FCC Commissioners Geoffrey Starks and Anna Gomez also welcomed the nomination. Starks noted Trusty’s effectiveness as a policy-maker, while Gomez described her as “widely respected” and “a consummate professional.”
The nomination suggests a significant shift in FCC priorities. Trusty and Carr are expected to focus on deregulation, free speech protection, and rural broadband access. Their agenda aligns with Trump’s broader regulatory vision, particularly regarding communications policy and technology sector oversight.
Trusty holds a master’s degree in American government from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Senate will need to confirm her nomination before she can join the commission.
The appointment comes as the FCC faces crucial decisions about internet regulation, spectrum management, and digital infrastructure development. These changes could affect broadband access, internet regulations, and communications services across the country.
