A conversation with NTIA Assistant Secretary Arielle Roth on the future of the digital economy

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) advises the president on telecommunications and information policy issues to increase connectivity and improve our digital economy. In February 2025, President Donald Trump nominated Arielle Roth to serve as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. Confirmed by the Senate in July, Assistant Secretary Roth serves as the agency’s administrator and is responsible for overseeing crucial developments, including the rollout of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) funding, spectrum policy, and digital e-commerce.

On February 12, the Center for Technology Innovation at Brookings hosted a fireside chat with Assistant Secretary Roth to discuss her outlook on the agency in 2026 and the priorities under her leadership.