Former Commissioner Prospect Wax Joins State Department
Gavin Wax, a former FCC 10th-floor aide who was at one time rumored to be in the running for a commissioner seat, has moved on to the State Department, he posted on LinkedIn Monday. Wax is starting a new position as chief of staff to acting Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Darren Beattie.
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Wax, a vocal conservative activist and former head of the New York Young Republican Club, served as chief of staff to former Commissioner Nathan Simington for the whirlwind final two months of Simington’s time at the FCC. Wax, who hadn't previously worked in telecommunications, was hired in late April and exited with Simington in June. During that period, the previously more reserved Simington embarked on a blitz of press appearances and co-authored with Wax a number of op-eds on FCC policy, including proposals to cap network affiliate fees and slash staffing at the Media Bureau. After Simington left the FCC, he endorsed Wax to replace him (see 2506070001), as did former White House adviser Steve Bannon (see 2506060051). The push to nominate more commissioners died down after Commissioner Olivia Trusty was confirmed in June, though Simington’s seat remains empty.
In his LinkedIn post, Wax said his new duties include “shaping global perceptions of U.S. policies and values through strategic communication efforts.” Also Monday, Wax and Beattie both posted links to the latter's interview with The Blaze’s Glenn Beck.