Ted Cruz Rips FCC Over ABC Broadcast License Review Following Kimmel Joke: ‘It Is Not Government’s Job to Censor Speech’

Home TV News Apr 29, 2026 7:12am PT Ted Cruz Rips FCC Over ABC Broadcast License Review Following Kimmel Joke: ‘It Is Not Government’s Job to Censor Speech’ GOP senator previously compared agency chairman Brendan Carr to a 'mafioso' for threats to revoke broadcasters' licenses over disfavored speed By Todd Spangler Plus Icon Todd Spangler NY Digital Editor xpangler Latest Ted Cruz Rips FCC Over ABC Broadcast License Review Following Kimmel Joke: ‘It Is Not Government’s Job to Censor Speech’ 18 minutes ago Jane Fonda Slams FCC’s Review of ABC Licenses as ‘Naked Attempt to Weaponize Government Power Against Dissent’ 15 hours ago Trump’s FCC Orders ABC to File Broadcast TV License Renewals Within 30 Days in Wake of Jimmy Kimmel’s Melania Joke 20 hours ago See All Getty Images Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas is a MAGA loyalist, but he thinks the Republican-controlled FCC stepped over the line in accelerating the renewal process for broadcast licenses of Disney’s eight ABC-owned local TV stations — seemingly in response to a joke Jimmy Kimmel told about Melania Trump on late-night television. “It is not government’s job to censor speech, and I do not believe the FCC should operate as the speech police,” Cruz told political outlet Punchbowl News about the agency’s demand that ABC filed to renew licenses within 30 days. Variety has reached out to the senator’s office for additional comment. Related Stories ‘Erupcja’ Review: A Droll Charli XCX Enriches Pete Ohs' Low-Key Relationship-Drama Charmer