FCC's Carr Aided SpaceX IPO Path After Musk Backed Him for Top Job in 2024
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 8
FCC's Carr Aided SpaceX IPO Path After Musk Backed Him for Top Job in 2024
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 8
Summary
Days after the November 2024 election, Elon Musk recommended Brendan Carr to lead the FCC; Carr later approved a SpaceX satellite request and revised agency rules in ways that benefited the company.
Those moves helped clear regulatory obstacles as SpaceX moves toward a potential IPO, with Carr publicly praising Musk and saying he would be "very hesitant betting against" him.
Carr's treatment of SpaceX contrasted with his approach to others under FCC oversight: he opened an investigation into rival EchoStar after a SpaceX complaint and threatened action against ABC, NBC, Disney and Comcast.
The pattern underscores how Musk's relationship with a key regulator has extended beyond politics into federal decision-making that could shape competition, media oversight and SpaceX's market debut.