FCC’s Diversity Probe Into Comcast Draws Fire from Starks

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2025 – FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s investigation into Comcast’s promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs fueled controversy within the Federal Communications Commission this week, with Democratic Commissioner Geoffrey Starks warning the move likely exceeds the FCC’s regulatory authority.

“From what I know, this enforcement action is out of our lane and out of our reach,” Starks said in a statement Wednesday. “I have asked for a briefing to understand the Enforcement Bureau’s theory of the case, the authority relied upon, and any prior precedent. This gives me grave concern.”

The probe was part of a broader Trump administration crackdown on DEI programs across the public and private sectors. On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to root out corporate DEI policies he labeled as discriminatory.