Carr Rejects Call for FCC to Block Musk’s Purchase of Twitter

WASHINGTON, April 27, 2022— Yesterday, the Open Markets Institute issued a release that called for the FCC, FTC, and DOJ to block Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter.  They argue that the transaction poses a “direct threat[] to American democracy and free speech.”  And their release cites to the Telegraph Act of 1860, among other statutory authorities, in the context of arguing that these federal agencies have authority to block the deal.  

Commissioner Carr issued the following statement in response:

“The FCC has no authority to block Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter, and to suggest otherwise is absurd.  I would welcome the full FCC making it clear that we will not entertain these types of frivolous arguments.”

###

Office of Commissioner Brendan Carr
www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/brendan-carr
Media Contact:  Benjamin Arden
(202) 418-0288 or benjamin.arden@fcc.gov