Ted Cruz: US Broadcast Regulator Acted Like ‘Mafioso’ on Jimmy Kimmel/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) accused FCC Chairman Brendan Carr of acting like a “mafioso” in the suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Cruz said Carr’s threat to pull ABC’s broadcast license over Kimmel’s comments about slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk was “dangerous as hell.” The controversy has divided Republicans, sparked free speech concerns, and drawn pushback from both Congress and TV hosts.
Ted Cruz vs. FCC Over Jimmy Kimmel – Quick Look
- Jimmy Kimmel suspended by ABC after controversial remarks about slain activist Charlie Kirk.
- FCC Chair Brendan Carr called Kimmel’s comments “sick” and threatened ABC’s broadcast license.
- Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) compared Carr’s warning to Goodfellas, calling it “dangerous as hell.”
- Cruz warned government censorship could later be used against conservatives.
- Trump disagreed with Cruz, defending Carr’s handling of the issue.
- Other Republicans split: Sen. Thom Tillis backed Cruz; Sen. Jerry Moran cautioned about free speech limits.
- Late-night hosts Jon Stewart, Jimmy Fallon, and Stephen Colbert rallied in solidarity with Kimmel.
- ABC affiliate ABC10 in Sacramento dropped Kimmel’s show; same day, shots fired at station building (no injuries).
- Congress passed a resolution honoring Charlie Kirk’s birthday (Oct. 14) despite nearly 100 Democrats voting no.
Deep Look: Cruz Slams FCC Threats Over Kimmel
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz launched one of the strongest Republican rebukes yet against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) following the indefinite suspension of late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel.
On his podcast Verdict with Ted Cruz, the Texas Republican compared FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s warnings to Disney-owned ABC to the intimidation tactics of mobsters in Goodfellas.
“That’s right out of a mafioso coming into a bar going, ‘Nice bar you have here, it’d be a shame if something happened to it,’” Cruz said, mimicking a mob accent.
Cruz, while making clear he disliked Kimmel’s remarks about Charlie Kirk, cautioned that using federal power to punish speech could backfire on conservatives.
The Kimmel Controversy
- On Sept. 15, Kimmel used his monologue to criticize “MAGA Republicans” for their response to the Sept. 10 shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
- He suggested Trump’s reaction resembled “how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.”
- Carr called the comments “sick” and threatened potential FCC action against ABC, which suspended Kimmel two days later.
Conservative critics argue Kimmel spread a false narrative by linking the suspected shooter to the MAGA movement. Utah officials previously suggested the suspect had been influenced by leftist ideology.
Divisions Among Republicans
- President Donald Trump, usually aligned with Cruz, defended Carr: “I disagree with Ted Cruz,” Trump told reporters Friday.
- Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) sided with Cruz, calling Carr’s behavior “unacceptable.”
- Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) warned that undermining free speech could “diminish conservative credibility.”
- Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) characterized the matter as more of an “employer-employee issue.”
Cruz warned that if Republicans endorse government speech crackdowns now, future Democratic administrations could use the same powers against conservatives.
Backlash and Solidarity
- Fellow late-night hosts Jon Stewart, Jimmy Fallon, and Stephen Colbert publicly backed Kimmel after his suspension.
- ABC affiliates like Nexstar’s ABC10 in Sacramento dropped Jimmy Kimmel Live! citing “offensive” remarks. Hours later, shots were fired into ABC10’s office window, though no injuries occurred. Police are investigating.
- Meanwhile, Congress passed a resolution designating Oct. 14 — Kirk’s birthday — as a day of remembrance, though nearly 100 House Democrats voted no.
Why It Matters
The clash over Kimmel’s suspension highlights a growing debate about free speech, government regulation, and political violence in the U.S.:
- FCC Authority: The agency regulates broadcast licenses and is legally required to act in the “public interest.”
- Partisan Risks: Cruz and others fear precedent-setting censorship could erode protections for conservative voices.
- Cultural Fallout: The killing of Charlie Kirk continues to fuel political polarization, shaping discourse on both media regulation and public safety.
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