Democrats Want Brendan Carr Out At the FCC

Three senior House Democrats—Doris Matsui (D-CA), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), and Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY)—have called for an Inspector General investigation into FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, accusing him of abusing his authority to pressure broadcasters into suspending Jimmy Kimmel Live!

In a letter to FCC Inspector General Fara Damelin, the lawmakers, who serve as ranking members of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, Energy and Commerce Committee, and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, respectively, urged a probe into what they describe as "illegal and unconstitutional censorship" by Carr.

The allegations stem from Carr’s September 17 appearance on Benny Johnson’s conservative podcast, where he allegedly threatened Disney/ABC and its affiliates with FCC action if they did not discipline Jimmy Kimmel for on-air comments. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Carr reportedly said, suggesting that networks could “change conduct” and “take action” against Kimmel to avoid FCC repercussions.

Shortly after Carr’s remarks, ABC announced an indefinite suspension of Kimmel’s show. The Democrats argue this timeline shows Carr’s threats directly influenced the decision, writing, “Chairman Carr publicly threatened broadcasters’ licenses and recommended curtailing and punishing protected speech. This is censorship.”

The lawmakers claim Carr’s actions violate the Communications Act and the First Amendment, labeling them the “most blatant act of illegal and unconstitutional censorship” by the FCC to date. They also pointed to Carr’s handling of the Paramount-Skydance merger as evidence of a broader pattern of leveraging his authority for political purposes.

The Democrats urged Damelin to investigate Carr’s conduct and FCC internal policies, warning that his actions “weaponize the agency” in a way that infringes on constitutional rights and serves the interests of the President.