FCC Chair Brendan Carr Faces Democratic Crossfire Over Kimmel Remarks Ahead of Senate Hearing

By Sam Barron | Friday, December 12, 2025, 8:12 PM EST

Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission, said he is meeting with Senate Republicans ahead of next Wednesday’s FCC oversight hearing, during which Democrats are expected to question him over his threats toward broadcasters for airing a segment featuring ABC comedian Jimmy Kimmel.

Carr has met with six Republican members on the Senate Commerce Committee, according to the lawmakers.

At the hearing, Democrats anticipate scrutinizing Carr for his comments suggesting that broadcasters could face scrutiny for airing a segment in which ABC late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel referred to “the MAGA gang” as attempting to politicize Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, also criticized Carr’s remarks at the time.

Republicans stated they aim to move past Carr’s comments and focus on other pressing issues within the FCC.

Carr reportedly met with Moran and Republican senators Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Deb Fischer of Nebraska, Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, John Curtis of Utah, and Dan Sullivan of Alaska.

Several Republicans noted that Carr remains aligned with the party’s broadband and spectrum priorities, emphasizing this common ground as he prepares for the hearing.

Moran and Sullivan indicated that the controversy arose only briefly during their discussions with Carr.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said the GOP has already addressed Carr’s comments. “I think you heard them,” he stated. “People voiced it.”

Fischer added she “didn’t pay attention to the Jimmy Kimmel stuff.”

Capito expressed that she will be attentive when Carr is questioned about his remarks regarding Kimmel. “I’m sure that people will sort of be honing on that,” she said. “I want to hear what he has to say.”

Multiple Democrats stated they were unaware of any plans for pre-hearing meetings with Carr and intend to use the hearing to highlight free speech concerns.