Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) criticized the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Kerr, on his podcast, Verdict with Ted Cruz, labeling his actions as “dangerous” and akin to mafia tactics aimed at canceling Jimmy Kimmel’s show.
Kerr had made threats against Kimmel and the networks Disney and ABC following Kimmel’s remark that Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin was part of the “Maga Gang.”
The chairman argued, “The FCC can make a compelling case that this is a deliberate effort to mislead the American public on a very crucial issue.”
Cruz commented on his podcast, saying, “And I have to say, it’s pretty alarming. It’s like a mafioso walking into a bar and saying, ‘What a nice place you have here; it’d be terrible if something were to happen.'”
He went on to claim that this sets a troubling precedent for future censorship of conservatives.
“They silence us. They wield this power mercilessly. It’s a serious threat,” he added.
Former President Donald Trump disagreed with Cruz’s view of Kerr, stating, “I believe Brendan Kerr is a true American patriot, so I have a different opinion than Ted Cruz,” when speaking to reporters.
Senate Democrats on the Commerce Committee have urged Cruz—who chairs the committee—to organize a hearing with Kerr regarding this issue.
“You have long prioritized monitoring to ensure our government isn’t weaponized against speech. This hearing is vital for the American people while free speech is under assault,” Democrats expressed in a letter to Cruz.
Roy commented, “I think the FCC is right to question what these broadcasting entities are doing with their licenses. They’re acting within their authority. The First Amendment must be safeguarded, but we do need to address the standards related to FCC licenses and ensure responsible broadcasting.”
John Nolte from Breitbart News remarked that it’s been a week since Kimmel made what he viewed as a false statement about Kirk’s accused assassin, and it remains uncorrected.
A YouGov poll indicated that among 2,355 American adults, 40% are uncertain about the assassin’s political affiliation, with 21% identifying him as a Democrat, 24% as a Republican, and 15% as neither.
Kerr hinted at potential further regulatory measures, stating, “We’re not done yet,” on Thursday.
