Sen. Peters Criticizes FCC Chairman Over Kimmel’s Remarks

Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) has taken issue with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, suggesting that ABC and its affiliated stations might need to address comments made by Jimmy Kimmel.

Peters expressed his concerns via a tweet, stating, “It’s unacceptable that the FCC threatens media organizations because the president doesn’t like content.” In a letter dated September 18, 2025, he criticized Kimmel for his remarks about ABC, Disney, and affiliate marketing. Peters accused Carr of using the FCC as a tool for censorship, noting that such actions contradict the organization’s foundational principles.

In a recent podcast interview, Carr asserted that the FCC could revoke the broadcast license of ABC affiliates following Kimmel’s comments related to the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. He emphasized that broadcasting stations have a duty to operate in the “public interest” and warned that they could face consequences in a straightforward or complicated manner. Nexstar, which owns an ABC affiliate and is currently awaiting a merger approval from the FCC, announced plans to remove Kimmel’s show, and Disney subsequently halted its airing.

Peters’ letter pointed out that despite previous public support for Carr’s stance on political satire, the FCC seems to have shifted under his leadership. Peters indicated that Carr, who once denounced government censorship as detrimental to democracy, now appears to be veering away from those values. “Under your leadership, the FCC seems to be disregarding Congress’s directives in the Communications Act in favor of acting in ‘Trump’s interests,'” the letter said.

Additionally, the letter referenced Carr’s past social media comments, highlighting his assertion that “political satire helps avoid traditional gatekeepers and hold those in power accountable.” Peters pressed Carr to clarify how the FCC defines “public interest” and whether new political standards are being adopted. He also requested details on communications between FCC staff and Disney or ABC regarding Kimmel during the period from September 15 to 22.

The situation has raised alarm from both sides of the political aisle. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) criticized Carr’s remarks as “absolutely inappropriate,” stating that government intervention is unwarranted. Meanwhile, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) described Carr’s language as akin to mafia-style threats, asserting that such an approach is “dangerous.” Yet, President Donald Trump defended Carr, calling him an “American patriot.”

This controversy follows the suspension of Kimmel’s programs by Disney and Nexstar after Kimmel’s comments implied that Trump’s supporters might be involved in Kirk’s assassination. Nexstar labeled these comments as “aggressive and insensitive,” while Carr maintained that such decisions align with the broadcaster’s community values.

The debate has ignited responses from various cultural and political figures as well. Comedian Tim Heidecker referred to Kimmel’s suspension as “nation-sponsored censorship,” while ABC’s View co-host Whoopi Goldberg defended Trump, claiming he misunderstands the First Amendment.

Peters concluded his letter by urging Carr to cease threats against media organizations and to refocus the FCC’s mission on providing affordable, efficient communication services to all Americans. He requested a written response by September 25.