Trump Nominates FCC Lawyer Danielle Thumann, an Adviser to Chairman Brendan Carr, to Serve as Commissioner

President Donald Trump on Friday nominated Danielle Thumann, who currently serves as senior counsel to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, to serve as an agency commissioner. If she’s confirmed, it would give Republicans a 3-1 advantage at the FCC (with one remaining seat still unfilled).

Trump nominated Thumann to serve as FCC commissioner for a term of five years from July 1, 2024, among a list of other official nominations sent to the Senate. The current panel of commissioners comprises two Republicans — Carr and Olivia Trusty — and one Democrat, Anna Gomez.

“Congratulations to Danielle on her nomination by President Trump to serve as a Commissioner on the FCC,” Carr wrote in a social media post Friday. “Danielle is a dedicated public servant and has consistently delivered policy wins from bridging the digital divide and protecting consumers to advancing public safety.”

The FCC has several controversial proceedings before it. That includes its vote this week to eliminate the agency’s 39% national TV ownership cap, which fell down party lines, in a move that is expected to face legal challenges.

The FCC also has called for the early review of broadcast licenses for ABC’s eight owned-and-operated local TV stations. The agency has said that’s related to holding Disney/ABC accountable to a “public interest” standard and pursuant to an FCC probe into the media company’s DEI practices. ABC and other critics — including former FCC chairs — have blasted the move as aimed at intimidating broadcasters whose news coverage Trump does not like. The FCC also is looking into whether “The View” qualifies for an exemption to the agency’s equal-time rules for political candidates.

Currently, Thumann serves as senior counsel to Carr “on matters before the Wireline Bureau, the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, and the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau,” according to the FCC. She rejoined then-commissioner Carr’s office in August 2024, after working in the private sector on government relations for Crown Castle, a nationwide telecommunications infrastructure and cell-tower provider.

Thumann previously served as legal adviser in Carr’s office from March 2021-July 2023. Before that, she worked as a communications attorney in the Washington, D.C., office of Wilkinson Barker Knauer. She earned her law degree from the Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law where she was associate editor of the law review. She received a bachelor’s degree in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia.

Trade group NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, which represents large cable operators and programmers, praised Thumann’s selection to serve on the FCC.

“We congratulate Danielle Thumann on her nomination to serve as a Commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission,” Cory Gardner, president and CEO of NCTA, said in a statement. “Danielle brings deep expertise in communications law and policy, along with valuable experience across the FCC and the private sector, that will serve the Commission and the American public well. We look forward to working with her to advance policies that promote investment, innovation, and world-class wired and wireless broadband networks for consumers and businesses across the country.”

National Assn. of Broadcasters president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt also issued a statement of support. “NAB congratulates Danielle Thumann Severs on her nomination to the FCC. Danielle is a dedicated public servant who is well regarded across all sectors of the communications bar,” LeGeyt said. “Her extensive experience at the Commission and deep understanding of communications policy will serve her well in this important role. We look forward to working with her throughout the confirmation process and, if confirmed, as a commissioner.”