President Donald Trump’s nomination of Danielle Thumann Severs to the Federal Communications Commission could allow the agency to retain a voting quorum without its sole Democratic commissioner, Anna Gomez. The Verge argues that this may make it easier for Trump to dismiss Gomez, eliminating the FCC’s remaining formal opposing voice and raising concerns about independent-agency oversight, transparency and free-speech protections.

The FCC currently has two Republicans, chair Brendan Carr and Olivia Trusty, alongside Gomez; Severs would become a third Republican if confirmed. Although Republicans already control outcomes, a four-member commission could act without Gomez, while her dissents can expose non-confidential information and press the majority to justify decisions more fully. Trump has previously removed Democratic Federal Trade Commission members, but the FCC’s governing law may offer distinct legal grounds to challenge a fully single-party commission.