In the 1990s the FCC denied the license renewal of Herbert Schoenbohm, KV4FZ. The action raised eyebrows as it was the first time the FCC applied its “Character Policy” to an amateur radio licensee. Schoenbohm had been convicted of credit card fraud, in activities totally unrelated to amateur radio and his FCC license. After a very lengthy legal process the courts ruled against KV4FZ in 1998, siding with the FCC. Originally intended to be applied to broadcast licensees, the Character Policy isn’t directly codified in Title 47, but is outlined in a 1986 document and was later amended in 1990.
Recently the FCC has begun pursuing what may best be called an Ideology Policy. Chairman Carr has launched investigations into several media outlets including ABC, CBS, NBC/Comcast, NPR/PBS/CPB, and 13 PBS stations . Verizon is also under investigation for diversity hiring practices. President Donald Trump recently threatened CBS over the Sixty Minutes interview of the Ukrainian president, and threatened to cancel their license, oblivious of how networks, TV stations, FCC licensing, and the Constitution actually work. The FCC investigations are quite frightening, threatening freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and civil rights, all key tenets of democracy. Carr has weaponized the FCC, flexing its regulatory muscle to serve the political will of Trump and exact retribution upon any entity regulated by the FCC which crosses Trump. Ironically, Trump himself could likely never acquire an amateur radio license or any FCC license, having 34 felony convictions, a rape sexual assault conviction, and a host of other indictments, if the Character Policy was objectively applied.
Previously the Character Policy was employed in amateur radio only in cases of licensees with felony convictions, however the language in the policy is rather broad, with the up-for-interpretation term of “misconduct” as grounds for the FCC revoking privileges. What could be ascribed as misconduct in today’s political climate? Perhaps someone having one too many 807s some evening and spouting off on 80 meter phone about Trump’s tariffs torpedoing their retirement fund? Speaking up at a town hall? Attending a protest in DC? Being registered with the “wrong” political party?
Some may argue this is in conspiracy theory territory. In normal times I would wholeheartedly agree. This ain’t normal times.
Radio Artisan 
Careful, it wasn’t r*pe, it was se*ual abuse. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E._Jean_Carroll_v._Donald_J._Trump
“In December 2024, Trump settled a defamation case with ABC News after anchor George Stephanopoulos incorrectly stated that the jury found Trump liable for rape in the case. ABC News agreed to pay $15 million to Trump’s presidential library and $1 million for his legal fees, as well as issue a public apology.”
Thanks for the note! I corrected the article. I always strive for accuracy! Thanks again.