FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr has announced his “Build America” policy platform, with an unexpected centerpiece: a call to “delete” large swaths of federal regulations and government programs that he says are holding the country back.
In a speech delivered Tuesday at the American Enterprise Institute, Carr unveiled a sweeping blueprint to cut bureaucratic red tape, defund what he called “radical government experiments,” and strip federal dollars from programs he claims promote “identity politics over infrastructure.” His proposal, framed as a “common sense plan for restoring American strength,” includes four pillars: build, delete, grow, and secure.
“Delete is the most important,” Carr said. “We don’t just need to build new systems — we need to tear out the failed ones that are undermining American greatness.”
Carr took direct aim at federal support for programs such as the Department of Commerce’s “digital equity” initiatives, accusing them of diverting funds away from core infrastructure. He also called for eliminating what he described as “politicized mandates” at agencies like the FCC, arguing that resources have been wasted on “social agendas” rather than broadband deployment and national security.
Under “build,” Carr advocated for accelerated permitting of infrastructure, especially 5G and fiber networks, citing delays that hamper economic growth. He proposed a “24-hour shot clock” for certain federal agency approvals. “If Domino’s can deliver a pizza in 30 minutes, the federal government should be able to greenlight a broadband project in 24 hours,” he quipped.
His “grow” plank emphasized shrinking government’s footprint to unleash private-sector innovation. And under “secure,” Carr advocated for increased scrutiny of foreign technology, especially Chinese-made equipment in U.S. networks, calling it a “clear and present danger.”
The agenda marks a bold political move for Carr, widely seen as angling for a Senate-confirmed position or future political office. Though still serving on the FCC, Carr has increasingly waded into broader policy debates, drawing praise from conservative groups and criticism from public interest advocates who say his proposals would dismantle essential services.
“If you want to build America, start by deleting what’s broken,” Carr concluded. “Then, and only then, can we build something that lasts.”