WASHINGTON – Conservative Republican and staunch Trump ally Senator Ted Cruz sharply criticized the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Friday, likening its handling of Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension to “mafioso” tactics. Speaking on his Verdict with Ted Cruz podcast, the Texas senator warned that the FCC’s threat to ABC over Kimmel’s monologue about the killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk sets a dangerous precedent for free speech.
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“This is right out of Goodfellas,” Cruz said, mimicking a mobster’s voice. “It’s the government saying, ‘Nice network you have here, it’d be a shame if something happened to it.’” He stressed that while he agreed Kimmel should face consequences for his remarks, the FCC’s approach risks giving federal regulators unchecked power to silence conservative voices when Democrats hold office.
I don’t often agree with Ted Cruz, but he’s right about this.
The US government can’t force Jimmy Kimmel, or anyone else, off the air because they disagree with what he says.
Clearly, FCC Chair Carr hasn’t read the Constitution.
Kimmel should be reinstated. Carr should resign. https://t.co/4CdHXbcPTe
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) September 20, 2025
Cruz’s comments stand out among Republicans, many of whom have been more restrained in criticizing the FCC. While President Trump defended FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, other GOP lawmakers, including Senator Thom Tillis, echoed concerns over Carr’s conduct, calling it “unacceptable behavior.” Cruz’s warning underscores ongoing tensions over government authority, media oversight, and the protection of free speech in politically charged cases.ities have not linked the attack to Kimmel or Kirk. Lawmakers have also designated Kirk’s birthday as a day of remembrance, highlighting the lasting national impact of the tragedy.
We sane Republicans welcome the comments of Sen. Ted Cruz, the adult in the room.
I disagree with Mr. Cruz. The left/democrats are bunch of holier than thou hypocrites. they don’t care about facts unless it fits their agenda. For months in the summer / fall of 2020 they caused mayhem and destruction. They burnt police stations, court buildings and other public places but one day January 6 is worse. Gerald Nadler had the gall to say with a straight face that the destruction in Portland is a myth. They will cancel someone for disagreeing with their warped policies, or making an off color joke, but see nothing wrong with someone justifying a cold blooded murder. I watched hundreds of Charlie Kirk’s videos one thing about him he was never abrasive, in your face, angry. He came with facts often using his opponents own words to make a checkmate. For this they hated him and killed him.
My understanding is that shows like Colbert and Kimmel had become so partisan, so fiercely one sided to the point of never having on conservative guests, that there programs became essentially free political advertisements. FCC regulations state that stations must give opposing view points free air time as well. Having relentlessly failed to do so, the networks were on the verge of some major consequences. That’s besides the fact that both these shows were loosing millions of dollars.
Stupid unforced error by the Trump team. The Media was desperate for any hook to change the subject after a Leftist committed the biggest political assassination in 50 years, why hand them this on a silver platter?!
What Kimmel did was illegal. He broadcasted false allegations about an active crime investigation. It’s considered defamation and interference with the administration of justice. There are limits to free speech and this is one of them.
It’s a rule for BROADCASTERS!
There are no conservative broadcast stations.
cruz was always a RINO. shut down cnn and msnbc next