Investigate Trump FCC Chair's Role in Kimmel's Suspension

A federal regulator leaned on a network—and a comedian was pulled off the air. That should send a chill down the spine of anyone who cares about the First Amendment. 

FCC Chair Brendan Carr publicly threatened broadcasters over Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks, saying, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” while vowing “more to come.” 

That’s why we’re calling on the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee to hold public hearings before the end of September. 

Legal experts warn that informal threats aimed at dictating content cross constitutional lines. Journalists and advocates describe a pattern of leveraging license reviews, merger approvals, and agency letters to strong-arm news and entertainment outlets. That is a textbook abuse of power that endangers a free press.

Congress must immediately investigate whether Carr or FCC staff coerced ABC, its affiliates, or other broadcasters into suspending Kimmel.

Lawmakers must subpoena all communications between the FCC, Disney/ABC, and major station groups, and require sworn testimony from Chair Carr. They must also demand a review by the FCC Inspector General and commit to legislative guardrails that bar content-based interference by federal regulators.

Silencing a late-night host today clears the path to silence reporters, creators, and critics tomorrow. To defend free expression, equal justice, and accountable government, we must act now.

Tell the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee: open an immediate investigation, subpoena the records, and put an end to coercive censorship by the FCC.