America, listen up: the Chinese Communist Party’s reach into our nation’s critical infrastructure is not just a distant threat—it’s a present crisis. The Biden era may be fading in our rearview mirror, but the consequences of his administration’s weak-kneed approach toward China linger dangerously today. Thankfully, President Trump’s administration is now working overtime to uproot and eradicate the CCP’s insidious devices still embedded in our telecom networks.
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr sounded the alarm last week during testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services, warning that despite the ongoing aggressive “Rip and Replace” program, funded initially with $1.9 billion back in 2021, risks from CCP-linked companies like Huawei and ZTE remain severe. The FCC is racing to eradicate these China-linked devices from our vital communication infrastructure, but it’s clear that these threats don’t vanish overnight.
Huawei and ZTE, both designated as national security threats due to their direct ties to the CCP and China’s military apparatus, have had equipment embedded in American networks for years. The Trump administration rightly identified these companies and moved decisively to stop them, but the prior administration’s delays and insufficient funding have complicated the process of removal. Carr explained the urgency to lawmakers, emphasizing the need for continued funding and vigilance to protect American networks.
The reason is clear: these CCP-backed companies are legally bound by Chinese law to cooperate with Beijing’s intelligence services. Former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said it plainly back in 2021: “We cannot and will not allow the Chinese Communist Party to exploit network vulnerabilities and compromise our critical communications infrastructure.” This isn’t mere political rhetoric—it’s a national security imperative.
But let’s be honest: the threat isn’t limited to physical equipment alone. Chairman Carr stressed that the CCP threat is “multifaceted” and extends beyond the visible hardware. Chinese state-sponsored hacking groups, such as “Volt Typhoon” and “Salt Typhoon,” have already infiltrated American telecom networks, targeting sensitive data and operations. Deputy National Security Adviser Anne Neuberger confirmed that CCP-linked hackers compromised at least eight U.S. telecommunications companies last year alone. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario; it’s happening right now.
Under President Trump’s robust America First approach, the FCC is taking additional steps to confront these threats head-on. Carr detailed new measures to strengthen the FCC’s equipment authorization program, ensuring that no compromised technology slips into American markets. Specifically, the FCC is now implementing rigorous national security checks on labs and technicians that certify equipment for U.S. use.
“We’re adopting a new standard,” Carr explained, “to make sure the labs that do the testing for devices are not themselves beholden to foreign adversaries.” It’s a common-sense move, one that prioritizes American security over globalist appeasement.
Yet despite these steps, the job is far from finished. The Biden administration’s half-measures left America vulnerable—a vulnerability that President Trump is now aggressively moving to close. Continued congressional support, robust funding, and an unwavering commitment to America First national security policies are critical to fully securing our telecom infrastructure.
As Americans, we must demand vigilance and accountability. The CCP’s intentions are not benign—they seek to exploit every weakness, every lapse in our vigilance. It’s time we fully recognize the stakes and take decisive action. President Trump’s administration is making progress, but the fight requires the continued determination and support of every American patriot.
Securing our telecom networks isn’t just about removing physical equipment; it’s about safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty from foreign infiltration. This is a battle for the very integrity of our communication systems, our economy, and our national security. It’s a battle America cannot afford to lose.
