Trump Renominates Ajit Pai to Serve As FCC Chair

President Donald Trump today renominated Ajit Pai to the Federal Communications Commission.

Pai has been running the agency since the January departure of former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, even though Pai’s official tenure at the FCC ended in the middle of 2016. Today’s renomination cements Pai’s position at the helm of the FCC through the end of Trump’s term as president.

“I am deeply honored to have been nominated by President Trump to serve a second term on the Federal Communications Commission. If I am fortunate to be confirmed by the Senate, I will continue to work with my colleagues to connect all Americans with digital opportunity, foster innovation, protect consumers, promote public safety, and make the FCC more open and transparent to the American people,” said Pai in a statement.

Since taking over, Pai has worked quickly to dismantle many of the regulations put in place by Wheeler. Notably, he reduced some transparency rules for small broadband providers, closed investigations into carriers’ prioritization schemes, and set his sights on net neutrality. Pai is a Republican along with Commissioner Michael O’Rielly, while Commissioner Mignon Clyburn is a Democrat.

The agency is short two Commissioners and Pai has yet to nominate anyone to fill the vacancies. Telecom industry companies such as AT&T were quick to congratulate Pai, who they see as an ally on the Commission.