FCC Republicans Condemn Trump Amid Pai's Final Meeting as Chair

Chairman Ajit Pai’s final FCC commissioners' meeting Wednesday included condemnations of President Donald Trump by Republicans and speculation about future action on social media moderation. Pai said he had planned pre-election to leave the post after a single term, declining to comment on his plans or President Donald Trump's second impeachment. Trump made “a terrible mistake” in strategizing to overturn the election results and responding to last week's attack on the Capitol, Pai told a news conference. Republican Commissioner Brendan Carr made similar comments during his own news conference. “It is clear to me that President Trump bears responsibility,” Carr said, repeatedly emphasizing he's focused on “the peaceful transfer of power.” In meeting remarks, Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel also condemned the attack on the Capitol. “To watch those disowning the hatred that brought us here when for too long they walked too casually alongside it is difficult,” said Rosenworcel. Pai said the decisions social media companies have been making to ban accounts over incitements to violence illustrate the current “very fluid situation” and lack of transparency about how such decisions are being made. It's “unclear” whether social media moderation policies are being applied equally or consistently, Pai said. Carr, who had been vocal on the issue, said he expected the matter of social media moderation to remain important after the presidential transition. He said current policies are “producing errors in both directions” because newspaper content is being taken down while threats and fighting words remain up.