Watchdog Group Requests Formal Review of FCC Chair Brendan Carr

A bipartisan legal watchdog group has asked attorney disciplinary authorities in Washington, D.C., and Maryland to investigate FCC Chairman Brendan Carr for potential violations of professional conduct rules.

According to the industry newsletter Status, the Legal Accountability Center sent letters on Monday to the relevant bar disciplinary bodies, arguing that Carr has “violated his ethical obligations” as a licensed attorney by allegedly leveraging his regulatory authority in ways that appear retaliatory toward protected speech. 

The group specifically cited actions that it claims selectively target broadcasters critical of or disliked by President Donald Trump.

In the letters, obtained by Status News, the organization wrote: “Chair Carr has engaged in ethically improper conduct by leveraging regulatory authority in a manner that appears retaliatory toward protected speech and selectively targets broadcasters who President Trump dislikes. This conduct is inconsistent with the Washington D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct governing attorneys and threatens confidence in the impartial administration of justice.”

A key example highlighted involves Carr’s decision to launch an early review of Disney’s ABC television station licenses. This followed a late-night joke by host Jimmy Kimmel that angered Trump and the first lady, prompting White House pressure on Disney to remove Kimmel. Critics, including the watchdog, described the sequence—protected speech, political backlash, then regulatory action—as a “classic indicator of viewpoint-based regulatory retaliation.”

If the disciplinary bodies open a formal review, it could potentially lead to sanctions against Carr, up to and including the loss of his law license. Carr, who is licensed in both D.C. and Maryland, has previously faced similar complaints from other groups over his handling of broadcasters.

The group claims Brendan Carr, appointed FCC chairman by President Trump in early 2025, has pursued an aggressive agenda at the agency. This includes investigations into major broadcast networks, public criticism of certain networks’ coverage and diversity practices, and statements emphasizing accountability for broadcasters’ obligations. Supporters view his actions as protecting public interest and national priorities, while detractors accuse him of politicizing the FCC and chilling free speech.

According to Oliver Darcy at Status, the Legal Accountability Center’s request adds to ongoing scrutiny of Carr’s use of FCC authority, particularly regarding broadcast license renewals and enforcement actions tied to content or editorial decisions.