Republican Senator Rand Paul criticized Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr on Sunday for threatening Disney and ABC affiliates over airing Jimmy Kimmel Live. Paul called Carr’s actions “absolutely inappropriate,” warning that government pressure on broadcasters violates free speech.
ABC, owned by Disney, suspended Kimmel’s late-night show after Carr suggested investigations and possible regulatory action against stations airing the program. Several local ABC affiliates also announced they would stop broadcasting the show. Paul, speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, said, “The government’s got no business in it. And the FCC was wrong to weigh in. I’ll fight any attempt by the government to get involved with speech.”
Other Republicans voiced similar concerns. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz compared Carr’s remarks to mob-style threats, saying they were “right out of Goodfellas” and “dangerous as hell.” Senator Dave McCormick echoed Cruz on X, agreeing that while Kimmel’s rhetoric was offensive, the FCC chair’s threats went too far.
Democratic leaders in Congress have demanded Carr resign, calling for an inspector general’s probe and public hearings. They argue that Carr’s comments set a dangerous precedent for government interference in broadcast content.
President Donald Trump, who appointed Carr, defended him and applauded ABC’s decision to suspend Kimmel. “He’s done nothing that’s over the line,” Trump told Fox News, praising the move as justified.
The controversy highlights a sharp divide over free speech, government oversight, and media regulation. While critics across party lines warn against abuse of regulatory power, Carr has not backed down from his stance. The fallout leaves ABC, Disney, and local broadcasters caught between political pressure and public debate over the boundaries of expression on national television.