Senate Democrats questioned Danielle Thumann Severs, President Trump’s nominee for an open Federal Communications Commission seat, at a Tuesday Commerce Committee hearing, criticizing the agency’s recent actions under FCC Chair Brendan Carr.
Thumann Severs, an attorney and senior counsel to Carr, faced questions about the FCC’s actions involving ABC and Jimmy Kimmel, according to the Guardian. Sen. Ed Markey said there was no justification for advancing partisan nominees during the lame-duck period after last week’s election, Ars Technica reported. The Guardian said Sen. Ben Ray Luján told Thumann Severs the commission would face close scrutiny when Democrats take control of the Senate in January.
Ars Technica reported that Democrats opposed the nomination and plan investigations of Carr after taking the majority in January 2027. The Guardian said Thumann Severs is expected to be confirmed because Republicans control the Senate and House. Separately, Reporters Without Borders called on the incoming Congress to impeach Carr, alleging he had used FCC authority against news organizations critical of Trump.