Washington D.C. – Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr is urging American broadcasters to embrace a distinctly nationalistic tone in their programming as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026. Carr, appointed to the FCC by President Donald Trump in 2017 and reaffirmed by President Joe Biden in 2023, has issued a call to action, requesting networks pledge to provide content that promotes “civic education, national pride, and our shared history.” This push for patriotic programming comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Carr’s tenure, marked by accusations of leveraging the FCC for political aims and a series of high-profile disputes with media personalities.
The request, outlined in a statement released Friday and a formal suggestion to broadcasters, isn’t a formal mandate, but rather an invitation to participate in President Trump’s “Salute to America 250 Task Force.” Carr’s vision for commemorating the semiquincentennial includes a surge in programming that highlights American achievements, history, and values. The FCC Chairman suggested networks air public service announcements, short segments, or even full specials dedicated to these themes, and even proposed a “daily ‘Today in American History’ announcement” highlighting significant events. He also suggested featuring national parks during regular news programming and reinstating the practice of beginning broadcasts with the “Star Spangled Banner” or the Pledge of Allegiance.
A History of Contentious Actions
Carr’s call for patriotic programming is the latest development in a tenure defined by controversy. Since joining the FCC in 2012, and particularly after being appointed as a commissioner in 2017, Carr has consistently pursued a conservative agenda. In December 2025, he testified before Congress stating that the FCC was “not formally an independent agency,” and subsequently removed the word “independent” from the agency’s mission statement, according to reporting from Axios. He has also repeatedly clashed with late-night talk show hosts, most recently attempting to enforce the “equal-time rule” in relation to segments featuring criticism of the current administration, as reported by CNN.
Born in Washington, D.C. In 1979, Carr studied government at Georgetown University and earned his law degree from the Catholic University of America in 2005. Before becoming a commissioner, he served as an attorney and advisor to former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. His involvement in Project 2025 and contribution to the Heritage Foundation’s “Mandate for Leadership” (2023) further underscore his alignment with conservative policy goals.
The Soundtrack of Patriotism
Beyond programming suggestions, Carr also offered guidance on the musical selections appropriate for the upcoming celebrations. In a pointed remark, he indicated a preference for American composers like George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, and Duke Ellington, explicitly discouraging the playing of artists like Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish. He specifically championed the music of John Philip Sousa, a renowned American composer known for his patriotic marches.
Carr’s “Pledge America Campaign” asks broadcasters to formally commit to these suggestions, framing it as a fulfillment of their “public interest mandate.” While he acknowledges the pledge is voluntary, the implicit pressure on networks to align with the administration’s vision is palpable. The move has sparked debate about the appropriate role of the FCC in influencing content creation and the potential for government overreach in media regulation.
A Look Back at Past Celebrations
The emphasis on a grand celebration echoes previous large-scale events orchestrated by the Trump administration. Last year’s parade commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, sponsored by Coinbase, drew significant attention – and some controversy – as reported by Fortune. The scale and spectacle of that event suggest a similar approach is anticipated for the nation’s 250th birthday.
Brendan Carr’s current role as Chairman of the FCC, following his appointment by President Trump in January 2025, places him at the center of these efforts. His actions and statements are likely to continue shaping the media landscape as the country prepares for a major milestone in its history. The FCC is currently accepting pledges from broadcasters, and will likely release a report on participation rates in the coming months. The next key date to watch is the planned launch of the “Salute to America 250” campaign in the spring of 2026, which will outline the administration’s broader plans for the anniversary celebrations.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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