Staff Reports
Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat with conservative leanings, has declared that he is against Gigi Sohn nomination to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The senator cited Sohn's connections to far-left activist groups and described her as displaying "toxic partisanship." Additionally, Manchin raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest stemming from Sohn's past work at a streaming service, as well as her history of partisan advocacy and commentary.
My statement on my decision to vote against Gigi Sohn for Democratic Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission (@FCC) ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/wElUnbI9l4
— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) March 7, 2023
Senator Manchin's announcement coincides with President Biden's two nominations of Gigi Sohn, a former FCC staff attorney, to serve on the commission during the 117th Congress. However, Sohn's nomination faced a stalemate in the Senate Commerce Committee, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York did not pursue a full floor confirmation for her.
Senator @JDVance1 slams Biden's leftwing FCC nominee Gigi Sohn over radical racial rhetoric
"You talk about racial issues in a way that will inflame the very worst things in our country." pic.twitter.com/V1t7jTkNPk
— Senator Vance Press Office (@SenVancePress) February 14, 2023
The West Virginia senator with conservative views conveyed apprehension about Gigi Sohn's nomination, arguing that it would create division rather than unity among Americans. He further emphasized his concerns regarding her affiliations with far-left activist groups and previous comments, citing them as grounds for alarm.
Conservatives have expressed skepticism over Gigi Sohn's connections to billionaire Pierre Omidyar and George Soros, as well as her previous racially-charged remarks directed at former President Donald Trump and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Senator Manchin is of the opinion that these associations and statements make it challenging for Sohn to serve effectively as an FCC Commissioner. He has encouraged the Biden administration to nominate someone more moderate who can unite Americans instead of creating divisions.
The Biden administration's efforts to confirm Gigi Sohn have been stalled due to the medical leaves of Democratic Senators John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Dianne Feinstein of California. It is uncertain whether Senator Manchin's opposition alone will be sufficient to block Sohn's confirmation. However, it is apparent that the Biden administration should have selected a more moderate nominee for this crucial position.
