Trump Picks Colwell for NEC Deputy Director; Industry Praises Trusty FCC Nod
Incoming President Donald Trump said Friday he has tapped former Special Assistant to the President-Technology, Telecommunications and Cybersecurity Policy Robin Colwell as National Economic Council deputy director. Meanwhile, additional communications industry entities hailed Thursday night and Friday Trump’s choice of Senate Armed Services Committee Republican staffer Olivia Trusty as his intended nominee for the FCC seat that then-Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel planned to vacate Monday (see 2501160077).
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Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., Republican ex-FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly and ACA Connects CEO Grant Spellmeyer congratulated Colwell on Friday. Scott noted Colwell was a former aide and said she will be part of "a brilliant team and I look forward to watching them help” Trump “unleash prosperity for the American people,” Colwell worked for Scott 2013-2014, immediately before becoming O'Rielly's chief of staff. Colwell was “an all-star long before stepping foot in the FCC and has had a meteoric rise since leaving" owing to "God-given talent and amazing perseverance,” O'Rielly said. Spellmeyer said Colwell “is a fantastic choice by President-elect Trump to serve in this crucial economic role.” She “has a deep background in communications and technology dating back to her service in Congress and at the FCC,” Spellmeyer said. Colwell previously worked at BGR Group and was House Communications Subcommittee chief GOP counsel.
Comcast Chief Legal Officer Tom Reid praised Trump’s “strong choice” of Trusty for Rosenworcel’s seat. NextNav CEO Miriam Sorond noted Trusty “is a veteran of spectrum policy, bringing a deep knowledge of the issue gained through a decade of service as a Congressional staffer, both on and off the Senate Commerce Committee.” Incompas CEO Chip Pickering said Trusty has been “a great friend” to the group and "an incredible advocate for competition and innovation. Her deep expertise will be a tremendous asset to the Commission." Spellmeyer said Trusty’s “record of accomplishment” at Senate Armed Services and as a Commerce Committee Republican telecom policy director “speaks for itself.”
NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield said Trusty “has a deep understanding of the broadband marketplace and the challenges of serving rural areas in particular." Wireless Infrastructure Association CEO Patrick Halley cited Trusty’s “extensive experience, a deep understanding of wireless issues and is a well-respected leader who knows how to get things done.” Spectrum for the Future said Trusty's “experience and knowledge will make her a powerful ally for those working to keep the U.S. at the forefront of wireless technology and global competitiveness.”