Senate Confirms Olivia Trusty to FCC
/The Senate has confirmed Olivia Trusty, a Republican nominated by President Trump, to the Federal Communications Commission. Once sworn in, Trusty will shift the FCC to a 2-1 Republican majority.
The simultaneous resignations earlier this month of Republican Commissioner Nathan Simington and Democratic Commissioner Geoffrey Starks left the agency without a quorum and in a 1-1 party tie.
Trusty’s nomination was confirmed Tuesday 17th June 2025, by a 53-45 vote, mostly along party lines.
“Olivia brings years of valuable experience to the agency, including her public service on Capitol Hill and time in the private sector,” Carr said in his statement. “I am confident that her deep expertise and knowledge will enable her to hit the ground running, and she will be an exceptionally effective FCC commissioner.”
Industry observers note that a Republican majority will allow Carr to enact some of his more controversial deregulatory changes. Not least among them would be an overhaul or elimination of the broadcast ownership rules, as the National Association of Broadcasters has advocated for.
During a U.S. House hearing last month, Carr touted the FCC’s “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative, which aims to eliminate what he describes as unnecessary regulatory burdens.
“I want to congratulate Olivia Trusty on her confirmation and welcome her to the FCC,” said Gomez. “I have known Olivia for years and have been very impressed with her strong background in communications policy and deep understanding of the technical aspects of this job, which will be a great asset to this agency. I look forward to working with her to return the FCC to its core priorities of protecting consumers, promoting innovation and competition and securing our communication networks.”
In his own statement, NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said Trusty’s “extensive policy experience and deep understanding of the issues impacting local broadcasters make her a strong addition to the commission at a pivotal time for our industry.”
President Trump nominated Trusty to the FCC in January, with the Senate Commerce Committee voting in late April to confirm her and send the nomination to the full Senate for a vote.
“Lobbyists had expected almost no Democrats would back her after Commerce Committee ranking member Maria Cantwell of Washington told us Monday night that she would oppose the nominee. Cantwell and Fetterman were among six panel Democrats who voted to advance Trusty in late April”
