GOP Senators Push Back Against FCC Threats Against ABC and Jimmy Kimmel

Blue Press Journal – A growing number of Republican senators are criticizing Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr’s threats to take action against Disney’s ABC and late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel in the wake of Kimmel’s comments about the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday, calling Carr’s threats “absolutely inappropriate.” Paul’s comments were echoed by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), who while criticizing Kimmel’s remarks, argued that revoking his broadcasting license set a dangerous precedent for stifling free speech.

“We can disagree with the views expressed, but the FCC shouldn’t be in the business of deciding what Americans can watch or listen to,” Cruz stated.

Sens. Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) also voiced their support for Cruz, with Young writing on social media, “Important comments by my colleague on the Commerce Committee, Chairman Ted Cruz. As Americans, we must cherish and protect free speech.”

The editorial page of The Wall Street Journal praised Cruz and other Republicans for pushing back against Carr’s tactics, warning that such efforts to silence critics could come back to haunt the GOP in the future.

The controversy began last week when Carr threatened to revoke ABC’s broadcasting licenses after Kimmel made comments about Kirk’s death that inflamed Republicans and other right-wing figures. In response, ABC pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from the air indefinitely.