President Donald Trump’s ongoing battle with the news media serves a dual purpose for him, satisfying his need for attention and allowing him to exert pressure on his critics. Brendan Carr, appointed by Trump to lead the Federal Communications Commission, is a key player in this conflict. Carr recently spoke at a summit in Washington, D.C., discussing the restoration of trust in news. Despite joining the FCC in 2012, Carr has transformed into a pro-Trump figure, using the agency to target Trump’s perceived adversaries.

Carr’s tactics mirror those of Trump, including feigning ignorance to evade accountability. He recently targeted Comcast and NBCUniversal for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, aligning with Trump’s opposition to such initiatives. Additionally, Carr has accused former FCC chairs of partisan bias when they criticized his actions.

Trump’s legal battles with media outlets, such as CBS News, and his influence on FCC reviews highlight his attempts to control news coverage. The summit also featured insights from media personalities like Bret Baier and Megyn Kelly, who offered contrasting perspectives on Trump’s impact on the media landscape. Baier warned about the long-term repercussions of Trump’s actions, while Kelly criticized Jeff Bezos for yielding to Trump.

Ultimately, the article underscores the importance of a free and independent media in the face of attempts by Trump and his allies to manipulate news coverage. The evolving dynamics between political figures, media organizations, and regulatory bodies like the FCC highlight the ongoing struggle for press freedom and integrity.