Donald Trump’s clash with the media has encountered setbacks at a crucial juncture due to internal turmoil among key figures at the Federal Communications Commission.
Conflicting groups have been vying for Trump’s endorsement and influence over the administration’s telecommunications policy, as per insiders knowledgeable about the situation.
Nathan Simington, who had a five-year stint as an FCC commissioner, apparently clashed with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr regarding the agency’s path and governance, resulting in his sudden departure in June, marking the end of his tenure.
This division arises as the FCC faces mounting pressure from Trump, who continues his investigative efforts against America’s embattled broadcast networks by intensifying regulatory scrutiny, thus becoming entangled in political agendas.
Earlier this year, Simington made waves with his unconventional selection for chief of staff and senior adviser at the FCC: 31-year-old former day trader Gavin Wax, whose role has since been quietly concluded.
Before coming to the FCC, Wax was a vocal supporter of Trump and made waves as the former leader of the New York Young Republican Club.
The young appointee was seen as Simington’s protege and was reportedly also a candidate Trump’s administration considered to succeed Simington as FCC commissioner, posing a potential challenge to Carr’s position.
Wax, in his early 30s, is a far-right, staunch MAGA loyalist and Steve Bannon favorite, known for a hard-charging posture that reflects the combativeness associated with the younger generation of Trump supporters.
Nathan Simington, nominated to serve as a Commissioner of the FCC by President Trump, was confirmed by the United States Senate in December 2020
In February, Trump signed an executive order that did just that; consolidating power over independent agencies like the FCC, effectively positioning himself as the dominant force with final say over their actions
Carr is thrust into the spotlight again after President Trump took to social media Sunday night to sharply criticize ABC and NBC, drawing Carr into the broader clash over media bias and regulation
Carr has notably launched formal investigations into almost all the major broadcast networks — including CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS and NPR
At 46, Carr is a more seasoned conservative operative, less aggressive in his demeanor but still completely aligned with Trump’s regulatory approach.
The generational and temperamental divides highlight the broad spectrum of ambition competing within Trump’s ever-growing orbit.
The personnel battle over Wax’s role created an untenable situation for Simington, who found himself losing a fight that was dependent on Trump’s personal investment.
It’s unclear if the split between Simington and Carr was strictly personality-driven or based on specific policy disagreements.
When contacted by the Daily Mail, Simington declined to go into detail, saying he no longer wished to speak about a department he had left.
He did, however, address questions about the personnel battle and his relationship with Wax, whom he had championed as his successor.
Wax carried some controversial baggage with him into his powerful role at the FCC.
In 2023 he warned a Trump comeback would mark ‘a time for retribution,’ and they ‘won’t be playing nice anymore.’
Much like Trump, Wax was formerly a vocal critic of media censorship and the power of major tech companies, even advocating for the removal of legal safeguards that protect social media platforms.
That is, before he got the job at the FCC. During that transition, he told several media outlets that holding legacy media to account is a top priority, and making sure broadcast stations are actually serving the ‘public interest’.
When asked, Simington confirmed to the Daily Mail the decision to reject Wax as his successor came from above – hinting the final call was made at the White House level.
‘I wanted Gavin for the role,’ Simington said. ‘I said that Gavin is a great choice if nominated by the president… the question is of what the president thinks, as there are a lot of competencies to serve on the commission.’
Now, sources tell the Daily Mail Wax has found a new home: he’s reportedly set to join the State Department as chief of staff to Darren Beattie, the under secretary for public diplomacy and public affairs – raising suspicions he was pushed out, far from Carr’s power center.
In late April, 31-year-old Gavin Wax made headlines as an unconventional pick for chief of staff and senior adviser at the FCC
Before coming to the FCC, Wax was a vocal supporter of Trump’s and made waves as the former leader of the New York Young Republican Club
Wax has found a new home: he’s reportedly set to join the State Department as Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy
Simington told the Daily Mail he wishes Wax well in his new role, and does not see it as a demotion.
Back in June, during a phone interview with The Post, Simington praised Wax as a strong potential successor, saying he’d be a ‘great replacement’ and noting there had been ‘rumblings’ about a possible nomination from Trump.
Relaying his continued support for Wax despite criticism, he said confidently to the Daily Mail, ‘Yes, he wasn’t the typical pick, but neither was I.’
When asked about potential replacements beyond Wax, Simington deferred to the president’s judgment. He suggested Trump might choose someone with expertise spanning public safety, law enforcement and technology.
Neither Carr nor Wax responded to requests for comment.
Back in June, during a phone interview with The Post, then FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington praised Wax as a strong potential successor, saying he’d be a ‘great replacement’ and noting there had been ‘rumblings’ about a possible nomination from President Trump
Meanwhile, Carr has been thrust into the spotlight again after Trump took to social media Sunday night to sharply criticize ABC and NBC, drawing Carr into the broader clash over media bias and regulation.
Carr has notably launched formal investigations into almost all the major broadcast networks, including CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS and NPR.
The only outlier is Fox News Channel, the conservative outlet which for now remains untouched.
The FCC has functioned as a mostly independent body from US presidents. However, this administration has proved to be different, with Carr following President Trump’s lead on most issues.
In February, Trump signed an executive order consolidating presidential control over traditionally independent agencies like the FCC, positioning himself as the ultimate authority over their decisions.
The order criticized these ‘so-called independent agencies’ for wielding ‘enormous power over the American people without Presidential oversight.’
