FCC Chair Faces GOP Criticism Over Kimmel Suspension
Brendan Kerr, the Chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is in hot water with Republican lawmakers regarding his stance on Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension from his show.
Kerr hinted that Disney might face repercussions if they don’t take action against Kimmel for his remarks about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. He indicated to Benny Johnson that the FCC could handle the situation in a straightforward or complicated manner. Some GOP members are concerned that this approach could blur the boundaries between corporate decision-making and government interference in free speech.
“Disney has a serious issue on its hands,” Kerr remarked during an appearance on the Benny Show. He emphasized that companies could find various ways to respond to Kimmel’s comments.
This is what Kimmel was fired. Here. clock. It is called soft power. The left always uses it. Thanks to President Trump, rights have also learned how to wield power. Brendan Kerr is the most consequential FCC president in American historypic.twitter.com/z2nbyvv0tw
– Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 18, 2025
On his “Version” podcast, Texas Senator Ted Cruz voiced his disapproval of Kerr’s message to Disney while criticizing Kimmel’s comments about Kirk’s assassination. Cruz, who has worked with Kerr and respects him, warned that it’s perilously close to government overreach when regulators threaten a network regarding political discourse.
Cruz suggested that Kerr’s comments resemble a mob shakedown, especially given his indication that ABC’s license could be jeopardized. He likened it to “Goodfellas,” saying it’s like a mafioso casually warning someone in a bar, “A lovely bar here. It’s a shame if something happens.”
The Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, overseeing the FCC directly, also expressed concerns about government interference in broadcast content. “We need to be careful about using the government to influence speech just because we disagree with it,” he advised.
Meanwhile, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul weighed in on X, stating that the First Amendment does not apply to private companies that let go of employees for controversial statements. He expressed support for Sinclair’s position but claimed the FCC should stay out of it.
The First Amendment says nothing about private companies that fire people who say skeworthy things. I’m with Sinclair this time. However, the FCC should not be involved.
– Randpaul (@randpaul) September 18, 2025
Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri has also opposed the idea of government regulating speech, aligning himself against President Trump’s suggestion to clamp down on liberal entities following Kirk’s assassination. “I really don’t want to decide what constitutes legitimate speech,” Hawley stated.
Breaking: FCC Chair Brendan Kerr announced that the committee could begin an investigation into “views” following the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel. “I think it’s worth looking into the view of the FCC.”
pic.twitter.com/mb03d0ccwdt– Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 18, 2025
ABC announced the indefinite suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Wednesday, attributing the decision to backlash over Kimmel’s comments about Kirk’s murder. This move came after Nexstar Media Group decided to drop the show from their ABC affiliates, describing Kimmel’s remarks as “aggressive and insensitive.” Disney executives Bob Iger and Dana Walden decided to suspend the show after it came to light that Kimmel planned to address the situation further with another monologue, raising concerns about potential tensions.
