Senator Ted Cruz has accused the head of America's broadcast regulator of acting like 'a mafioso' in the suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel - the sharpest attack yet from a conservative Republican on the controversy.
He said Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Brendan Carr's threat to ABC over Kimmel's monologue about slain conservative influencer Charlie Kirk was 'dangerous as hell'.
Cruz remarked, 'That's right out of Goodfellas,' adding a mobster's accent for effect. Other Republicans have been more restrained in their criticism of the FCC's pressure on Disney-owned ABC leading to Kimmel’s indefinite suspension.
This dispute ignited after Kimmel suggested in his monologue that the alleged gunman charged with murdering Kirk was a MAGA Republican, despite authorities indicating otherwise. Before ABC's decision, Carr warned of repercussions if Kimmel remained on air, alleging he misled the American public.
On his podcast, Cruz expressed disdain for Kimmel's comments but emphasized the danger of government intervention in media. Notably, President Trump defended Carr, highlighting a division among Republicans regarding the FCC's approach.
Cruz cautioned that government regulation of media speech could backfire on conservatives and lead to greater issues. As tensions rise, the political ramifications of Kimmel's suspension and Kirk's tragic death continue to unfold.
