GOP Lawmakers Criticize FCC Chair’s Response to Kimmel Suspension
FCC Chair Brendan Carr is facing backlash from Republican lawmakers regarding his reaction to the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel. Carr has implied that Disney might suffer repercussions if Kimmel isn’t disciplined for his remarks about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. He informed Benny Johnson that the FCC could address the situation “in an easy or difficult way.” Some GOP members have expressed concerns, suggesting that this could dangerously blur the lines between private decisions and government control over speech.
“This is a significant issue for Disney at the moment,” Carr mentioned during his appearance on the Benny Show. “We can handle this in a straightforward or complicated manner, and these companies can find ways to take action regarding Kimmel.”
This is what Kimmel was fired.
Here. clock.It is called soft power. The left always uses it. Thanks to President Trump, rights have also learned how to wield power.
Brendan Kerr is the most consequential FCC president in American history
– Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 18, 2025
Senator Ted Cruz from Texas, while using his “Version” podcast, distanced himself from Carr’s warnings about Disney, even as he condemned Kimmel’s remarks concerning Kirk’s assassination. Although he respects Carr, Cruz characterized the FCC Chair’s threats as “dangerous” for federal regulators to impose on the network regarding political speech.
The senator described Carr’s tone as reminiscent of a mob shakedown rather than that of a regulatory body, especially given Carr’s suggestion that ABC’s license might be jeopardized. “It feels a bit like something you’d see in ‘Good Fellas’,” Cruz commented. “It’s the type of behavior where a tough guy walks into a bar and says, ‘Nice place here. Shame if something were to happen to it.’”
The Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees the FCC, issued a warning against government interference in broadcasting. According to him, simply because someone disagrees with another doesn’t justify using government to influence speech.
Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky took to social media to express that the First Amendment doesn’t cover private companies that fire individuals for their speech. He stated, “The First Amendment says nothing about private companies that fire people who say controversial things. Sometimes I agree with Sinclair, but the FCC shouldn’t get involved. Sinclair seeks an apology from Kimmel.”
The First Amendment says nothing about private companies that fire people who say skeworthy things. I’m with Sinclair this time.
However, the FCC should not be involved.
Sinclair demands an apology from Jimmy Kimmel
– Rand Paul (@randpaul) September 18, 2025
Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri also expressed his opposition to government policing of speech. He disagreed with then-President Trump’s suggestions to clamp down on liberal groups after Kirk’s assassination. “I don’t want to be in a position to determine what constitutes legitimate speech or not,” Hawley stated.
Breaking: FCC Chair Brendan Kerr announced that the committee could begin an investigation into “views” following the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel.
“I think it’s worth looking into the view of the FCC.”
– Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson)
On Wednesday, ABC announced the indefinite suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following backlash against Kimmel’s comments about Kirk’s murder. This move came after Nexstar Media Group decided to drop the show from its ABC affiliates, labeling Kimmel’s comments as “aggressive and insensitive.” Ultimately, Disney executives Bob Iger and Dana Walden decided to halt the show after learning Kimmel intended to continue his critique in a follow-up monologue. The suspension came amid both conservative critique and rising internal concerns over the potential for heightened tensions.
