Everyone knew that Geoffrey Starks would be leaving the FCC, putting the Democratic voice in the sole hands of Anna Gómez as Chairman Brendan Carr looked to have a Republican majority at hand — especially as Olivia Trusty is likely to be confirmed and seated as a GOP-aligned Commissioner within weeks.
On Wednesday, a new wrinkle suddenly emerged that could have many scratching their heads across the nation and Inside the Beltway.
FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington, born in Canada and appointed by President Trump during his first term in office, has formally announced that he will step down from his role at the end of this week.
It’s hardly expected, with no formal announcement seen ahead of the distribution of the FCC’s Daily Digest in the Noon hour, Eastern time.
And, Simington’s departure could create a setback in the timeline for a GOP majority at the agency.
Simington released an exit statement, in which he outlined his reflections on the role and priorities that shaped his time on the Commission, including a focus on free speech, national security, and investment in communications infrastructure. “The Commission is in excellent hands under the leadership of my distinguished colleague, Chairman Brendan T. Carr, and is supported by an extraordinary staff whose dedication to public service is second to none,” said Simington, who expressed gratitude to his former staff and emphasized his intention to remain active in public discourse surrounding communications policy.
Simington’s departure comes amid broader conversations about spectrum access, AI governance, and broadband deployment—areas where the Republican Commissioner frequently advocated for a limited-government approach and stronger national defense posture. “Throughout my tenure, I worked to defend free expression, safeguard national security, and promote infrastructure investment to benefit all Americans,” Simington said. “I remain committed to advancing the cause of limited government, free speech, and American innovation.”
— Reporting by Cameron Coats and Adam Jacobson
