Cruz Slams FCC’s License Threats as ‘Mafioso’ Tactic

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 19, 2025 - Senator Ted Cruz on Friday condemned Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr’s warnings to revoke ABC’s broadcast license over Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks as “dangerously coercive,” likening the threat to organized-crime tactics.

The Texas Republican’s remarks, delivered on his “Verdict with Ted Cruz” podcast, underscore growing GOP unease with government intervention in media content. Cruz warned that empowering regulators to police speech sets a perilous precedent that risks backfiring on conservatives should the political winds shift.

Carr’s Warning Draws Bipartisan Concern

Cruz highlighted Carr’s comment, “We can approach this the easy way or the hard way,” as emblematic of a “Goodfellas”-style threat aimed at Disney Corp.’s ABC network.

  • Carr’s warning followed late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s on-air critique of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
  • ABC subsequently suspended Kimmel’s show indefinitely; Cruz said he agreed with removing the host but opposed government-enforced censorship.

Free-Speech Risks and Political Stakes

Cruz, who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee with oversight of the FCC, argued that regulatory censorship empowers future administrations to silence dissenting voices.

  • “If this power is wielded by Democrats down the road, every conservative outlet could be silenced,” he cautioned.
  • Former President Donald Trump has similarly threatened license revocations over negative coverage, though Cruz did not directly reference Trump’s remarks.

Broader Implications for Media Regulation

The dispute spotlights tensions between free-speech advocates and regulators seeking to curb what they view as harmful or inflammatory content.

  • Critics on both sides warn that government threats to broadcasters could chill journalistic independence.
  • Supporters of Carr’s stance argue that the FCC has a mandate to ensure broadcasters operate in the public interest.

What’s Next

The Senate Commerce Committee is expected to review the FCC’s authority and consider proposals clarifying limits on content oversight. Broadcasters and civil-liberties groups will watch closely for any legislative or regulatory changes emerging from this showdown.