Former FCC Republicans Rebuke License Threats

Carr Threats Make Him 'Unfit For Office'

Four former Republican officials from the Federal Communications Commission are sharply criticizing proposals by Donald Trump and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to revoke the licenses of television stations accused of broadcasting “fake news” about the administration’s handling of the Iran war, calling the idea unconstitutional and urging congressional intervention.

In a joint statement released through Protect Democracy, the former officials said Carr’s actions amount to intimidation of the press and warned that his conduct makes him “unfit for office.” They called on Congress to investigate the FCC’s actions and consider stronger measures, arguing that “the future of free speech and the free press in this country are at risk.”

The statement was signed by former FCC Chairs Mark Fowler and Alfred Sikes, former Commissioner Rachelle Chong, and former Chief of Staff Jerald Fritz. Their criticism adds a notable Republican voice to a debate that has largely drawn opposition from Democrats and media advocates.

At issue are recent comments suggesting the FCC could investigate and potentially revoke broadcast licenses over what regulators deem biased or misleading coverage. The former officials argue such actions would violate both the First Amendment and the Communications Act, which they say clearly prohibit government interference in editorial decisions.

 

They also described Carr’s recent remarks as an escalation of earlier threats, particularly concerning in an election year, and noted that the FCC has historically avoided involvement in partisan disputes over news coverage. The group pointed out that Carr himself had previously rejected the idea that the agency could police speech in the name of the “public interest.”

The statement further urged Congress to expand oversight of the FCC, including examining how regulatory pressure may be affecting media companies, particularly those involved in mergers or other major transactions. Lawmakers, they said, should consider limiting or removing regulatory tools—such as the agency’s “news distortion” policy—that could be used to influence editorial content.

The criticism comes amid a broader backlash from current and former FCC officials who have warned against attempts to regulate news coverage, marking an increasingly high-profile clash over the role of government in overseeing the media.