FCC scrubs ‘independent’ label from website after heated Senate hearing
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) quietly removed its own “independent” label from its website after Chairman Brendan Carr had a tense exchange with a Democratic lawmaker on Capitol Hill.
On Wednesday, Carr appeared before the Senate Commerce Committee, testifying for the first time since her September comments targeting ABC’s take on late-night host Jimmy Kimmel for his controversial remarks about the Charlie Kirk assassination.
Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., asked Carr about whether the FCC is an “independent” agency.
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Federal Communications Commission (FCC) commissioner Brendan Carr during a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee oversight hearing on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 in Washington, DC, USA. (Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“Senator, thank you for that question,” Carr began responding.
Luján quickly interjected: “All we need is yes or no, sir.”
Luján then presented a printout of the FCC’s website stating that it is “an independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress.”
“On your website it simply says, ‘The FCC is independent,’ man. That’s not a trick question,” Luján told Carr.
“Not the FCC…” Carr tried to answer.
“So is your website false? Is your website lying?” Democrats put pressure.
“Probably,” Carr replied.
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Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., questioned Carr about whether the FCC is considered an “independent” government agency. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
“Officially, the FCC is not an independent agency,” Carr said, to which Luján responded: “I commend you for saying that and being honest with the American people.”
Fox News Digital confirms its website has removed the word “independent” “About” pageThis was first reported by Axios reporter Sara Fischer.
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The FCC removed its own designation as an “independent” agency after Carr’s tense Senate hearing. (Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“With the change in management earlier this year, the FCC’s website and materials needed to be updated. This work is ongoing to ensure they reflect the positions of the agency’s new leadership,” a spokesperson for the FCC told Fox News Digital.
Fox News’ Alba Cuebas-Fantauzzi contributed to this report.
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