Ted Cruz vs FCC: Controversy erupts over Jimmy Kimmel suspension and broadcast license threats

Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas voiced strong criticism of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr following comments Carr made about late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, just before ABC temporarily pulled Kimmel’s show from the air.

On the latest episode of his podcast Verdict with Ted Cruz, the senator took aim at Carr for remarks suggesting regulatory action against ABC over Kimmel’s statements about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

“He said, ‘We can do this the easy way, or we can do this the hard way,’” Cruz recounted. “Honestly, it sounded straight out of a mob movie—Goodfellas, really. Like a mafia boss walking into a bar saying, ‘Nice bar you’ve got here, it’d be a shame if something happened to it.’”

While Cruz praised Carr personally as “a good guy” and noted their professional relationship, he warned that such comments were “extremely dangerous.”

Cruz’s position diverges from President Donald Trump, who praised Kimmel’s suspension and later described Carr as “outstanding.” Despite this, Cruz emphasized that his critique was about principle, not personal preference.

“I’m no fan of Kimmel. Frankly, I’m glad he was suspended over those remarks about Charlie Kirk,” Cruz said. “But if the government starts telling media outlets they can’t broadcast content we don’t like, that’s a dangerous path—one that could ultimately hurt conservatives as much as anyone.”

Kimmel, who has not been fired but remains suspended, sparked the controversy during his Monday night monologue when he accused “the MAGA gang” of politicizing Kirk’s death to defend the perpetrator.

Carr had openly criticized Kimmel on Wednesday during an appearance on right-leaning commentator Benny Johnson’s podcast. “ABC has a license granted by us at the FCC, which comes with an obligation to operate in the public interest,” Carr said. “But when content like this airs, companies have options: fix it voluntarily, or we will step in. There could be additional work ahead for the FCC.”

Later that day, ABC and Nexstar Media Group, which operates local ABC affiliates, pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely. The decision comes as Nexstar moves forward with its planned $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, a merger requiring FCC approval.

The FCC has not publicly responded to Cruz’s remarks.

FAQs

Q1: Why did Ted Cruz criticize FCC Chairman Brendan Carr?
Cruz said Carr’s comments about potentially taking action against ABC over Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks were “dangerous” and likened them to mafia-style threats.

Q2: What led to Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension?
Kimmel was suspended after his monologue about Charlie Kirk’s death, in which he accused “the MAGA gang” of politicizing the tragedy.

Q3: Did Ted Cruz support Jimmy Kimmel?
Cruz clarified he was not a fan of Kimmel and was glad he was suspended but opposed government threats to media over content.

Q4: What did Brendan Carr say about ABC and Kimmel?
Carr warned ABC that it had an obligation to operate in the public interest and implied regulatory action could follow if inappropriate content continued.

Q5: How does Nexstar and Tegna relate to the controversy?
Nexstar, which operates ABC affiliates, recently announced a $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, a merger requiring FCC approval, adding context to the timing of Kimmel’s suspension.

Q6: What are the potential implications of FCC intervention?
Cruz warned that government action against media for content could threaten free speech and eventually harm conservative voices.

Q7: Has the FCC responded to Cruz’s criticism?
As of now, the FCC has not publicly commented on Senator Cruz’s remarks.