Trump Nominates Arielle Roth to Lead NTIA

President Trump nominated Arielle Roth, telecom director for Senator Ted Cruz, to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Roth has criticized the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, arguing its overemphasis on fiber deployments and excessive regulatory burdens. She advocates for technology neutrality, opposing NTIA's preference for fiber in BEAD and calling for Universal Service Fund (USF) reform, citing its unsustainable funding model. She also voiced concerns about the FCC's digital discrimination rules and expansion of the E-Rate program. Roth's nomination has been praised by industry groups who see it as an opportunity to reshape broadband and spectrum policy.