Ted Cruz subpoenas FCC head behind Kimmel suspension after calling him 'dangerous as hell'

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr has agreed to appear before the Senate Commerce Committee — chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz (R‑Texas) — who earlier criticized him over his recent public comments aiming to influence broadcasters, Semafor reported Wednesday.

Cruz, who has oversight over the FCC through his committee role, sharply pushed back against Carr earlier this month for pressuring Disney and ABC over remarks by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel concerning the alleged killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

“I like Brendan Carr. He’s a good guy … but what he said there is dangerous as hell," Cruz said at the time.

According to Semafor, Carr and the other FCC commissioners will testify sometime in November, though no firm date has been set. The scheduling remains in flux and could be delayed further.

Carr’s critics argue his remarks threaten free speech by suggesting regulatory consequences for broadcasters airing content unfavorable to government views. Supporters counter that Carr’s statements have been misinterpreted and do not amount to actual threats against ABC affiliates or pending corporate transactions.

The report noted that Senate Commerce Committee Democrats, led by Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), formally requested Carr testify and answer questions.

Some Republicans have also voiced unease with Carr’s approach, warning of the risks of pursuing aggressive enforcement of speech standards.

The upcoming hearing comes amid broader tensions over how far the federal government can use regulatory power to address content on broadcast media.

Last month, President Donald Trump intensified his threats, telling reporters aboard Air Force One last month that broadcasters who provide him with “bad press” might lose their federal licenses.

The comments came just a day after Carr, under Trump’s administration, forced ABC to pull Kimmel’s show by threatening the broadcast licenses of its affiliate stations over a remark the comedian made about the assassination of Kirk. The show has since returned to the air.

“They give me only bad publicity, press. I mean, they’re getting a license. I would think maybe their license should be taken away,” Trump said at the time.