FCC Greenlights $20B Verizon Merger—But Only After DEI Surrender

Verizon is facing heavy backlash after abandoning its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs to gain federal approval for its $20B acquisition of Frontier Communications. Critics say the move—executed under pressure from Trump-appointed FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr—amounts to a shameful surrender of corporate values for profit. The FCC’s approval came swiftly after Verizon filed a letter vowing to end DEI efforts, triggering accusations of political coercion and racism. Free Press policy VP Matt Wood called Verizon’s decision a “cowardly capitulation” to authoritarian bullying. The merger hands Verizon control of Frontier’s networks in 25 states, further consolidating the broadband market—while sacrificing internal commitments to workplace equity. Now, activists and consumers alike are questioning: what price are corporations willing to pay for power?