Trump to give Republicans a 3-1 FCC majority, isn't filling empty Democratic seat
President Trump has nominated Danielle Thumann Severs to the FCC, a move that would establish a 3-1 Republican majority. This breaks the historical norm of maintaining a 3-2 partisan split on the commission.
Why it matters
The shift in FCC composition could significantly impact regulatory oversight of broadcasters and telecommunications policy.
A Trumpier FCC Trump to give Republicans a 3-1 FCC majority, isn’t filling empty Democratic seat Trump has resisted urge to fire FCC Democrat despite recent Supreme Court win.
2 President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on August 10, 2026 Credit: Getty Images | Anna Moneymaker President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on August 10, 2026 Credit: Getty Images | Anna Moneymaker Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav The Federal Communications Commission has been shorthanded throughout President Trump’s second term, but it’s about to get a new commissioner. Unsurprisingly, Trump is breaking a historical norm with a nomination that would give Republicans a 3-1 advantage on the FCC.
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