Industry associations have praised Olivia Trusty for her ability to get things done while working on wireless, telecom, and communications infrastructure policy issues. With Trusty’s star gymnastics skills that she honed at the University of North Carolina, the FCC will gain someone who can gracefully vault over red tape, balance competing interests, and stick the landing on tough decisions.
Republican Senate aide Olivia Trusty has been appointed commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), securing a Republican majority within the agency.
Trusty is a professional staff member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Before that, she was policy director for the Senate Commerce Committee, where “she has fought tirelessly to grow the Economy, empower Innovation, and reignite the American Dream,” Trump wrote in his Truth Social post.
The FCC will have a 2-2 split between Democrats and Republicans until the Senate confirms her.
“Olivia will work with our incredible new Chairman of the FCC, Brendan Carr, to cut regulations at a record pace, protect Free Speech, and ensure every American has access to affordable and fast Internet,” Trump wrote.
Trusty’s selection was announced before Monday’s inauguration, contrasted with President Biden, who waited 274 days to nominate Gigi Sohn to become the third Democrat on the FCC. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez wasn’t seated as the third Democrat until 978 days into Biden’s term.
Trusty worked on staff for Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio.
She worked on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, focusing on manufacturing and trade, digital commerce, and consumer protection.
Between graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and receiving her master’s degree from Georgetown University, Trusty worked as a government relations consultant for Verizon and a policy representative at Qwest Communications.
Arielle Roth, Sen. Ted Cruz’s policy director of telecommunications, and Tom Johnson, the FCC’s former general counsel and current partner at Wiley Rein, were said to have been considered for the position.
Commissioner Brendan Carr said, “Olivia has had a distinguished career already on Capitol Hill and in the private sector, including her service at both the Commerce Committee and the Armed Services Committee in the United States Senate. Her extensive knowledge, public sector experience, and keen intellect will serve her well at the agency.”
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association released the following statement on Trump’s nomination of Trusty.
“NATE congratulates Olivia Trusty on being nominated to serve on the open FCC Republican seat,” said President & CEO Todd Schlekeway.
“NATE has collaborated with Olivia in her role working on wireless, telecom, and communications infrastructure policy issues on Capitol Hill. Olivia possesses extensive experience and a keen knowledge of the industry’s many policy and regulatory issues and can hit the ground running on day one on the job once confirmed. NATE and our member companies stand ready to be a resource for Olivia and her assembled staff at the FCC,” added Schlekeway.
Patrick Halley, President and CEO of WIA, also congratulated Trusty.
“WIA congratulates Olivia Trusty on her nomination as an FCC Commissioner. Olivia has extensive experience and a deep understanding of wireless issues and is a well-respected leader who knows how to get things done. Olivia’s first-hand knowledge of the most important policy issues will help drive a path forward for the adoption of critical policies necessary to achieve the full potential of our wireless future,” said Halley.
Rhonda Johnson, AT&T’s EVP of Federal Regulatory Relations, said, “We congratulate Olivia Trusty on her nomination to the FCC. Her experience working with the Senate Commerce Committee on important issues like broadband expansion and access to spectrum will be valuable assets to the Commission’s goal of connecting more Americans. We look forward to working with her and the rest of the Commission toward a rational policy that incentivizes investment in broadband networks.”
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