'Mr. Carr, please say even crazier autocratic stuff': Inside the Republican backlash to the Federal Communications Commission chair
Gomez's comments underscore the complexities of the debate, as some Democrats see value in the FCC's role in protecting consumers, while others are concerned about its potential for overreach. The agency's authority to regulate telecommunications and broadcasting has been a subject of controversy, with critics arguing that it has been used to stifle free speech and punish critics of the administration. The recent Supreme Court decision has further fueled concerns about the agency's independence and potential for politicization. As the debate over the FCC's future continues, it remains to be seen whether the unlikely alliance between Democrats and Republicans can lead to meaningful reforms or even the abolition of the agency. Meanwhile, Carr remains committed to his enforcement agenda, which has drawn praise from Trump and criticism from many in the media and civil society. The fate of the FCC hangs in the balance, as the agency's role in shaping the media landscape and protecting consumer interests is being reexamined in the wake of growing concerns about its power and accountability.
The FCC's recent actions have sparked a renewed debate about the agency's role in regulating speech and its potential for abuse of power. Many conservatives are joining liberals in questioning the agency's authority, citing concerns about censorship and the erosion of free speech. The fact that Carr has been willing to use rarely exercised powers to target specific stations and shows has raised eyebrows on both sides of the aisle.
The concept of "public interest" has been at the center of the debate, with Carr citing it as the reason for calling in the licenses of Disney-owned TV stations. However, critics argue that this mandate is too vague and open to interpretation, allowing the FCC chair to wield significant power over the media landscape. The last time the FCC revoked a TV station license was in the 1980s, highlighting the unprecedented nature of Carr's actions.
The growing criticism of the FCC has been fueled by the rapid evolution of technology, which has transformed the way people consume information and communicate. Many argue that the agency's role in regulating traditional media is no longer relevant in the digital age. As American Enterprise Institute senior fellow Mark Jamison noted, the reasons for having an independent agency like the FCC have declined, and it's time to rethink its purpose.
Carr's willingness to engage in politics and his close relationship with Trump have also raised concerns about the agency's independence. His appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference, where he declared that Trump is "winning" against the "fake news media," has been seen as a clear indication of his partisan leanings. The fact that he has been willing to use the FCC's powers to target specific individuals and shows has led some to call for the agency's abolition.
The backlash against the FCC has been building for months, with conservative groups and lawmakers joining the chorus of criticism. In September, Carr's threat to take action against Jimmy Kimmel sparked outrage, and the subsequent removal of Kimmel's show from the airwaves only added to the controversy. Since then, a growing number of voices on the right have called for the FCC to be abolished or significantly reformed.
While the prospect of abolishing the FCC may seem unlikely, the growing discontent with the agency's actions has sparked a long-overdue debate about its role and relevance in the modern media landscape. As the agency's powers and authority continue to be questioned, it remains to be seen whether the FCC can adapt to the changing times and find a new purpose, or if it will become a relic of the past.
Many Democrats would likely oppose abolishing the FCC, instead favoring robust regulatory oversight of consumer protection issues such as robocalls and equitable internet access. However, the outcry has exposed a persistent divide among Republicans regarding the agency's role, with some advocating for deregulation as a means to curb Carr's influence.
Some critics, like Thierer, have been vocal about their desire to see the FCC abolished, with Thierer writing on social media in April that "Mr. Carr, please say even crazier autocratic stuff so we can finally get the FCC abolished." This was in response to Carr reposting a Trump social media post denouncing a CNN headline about the Iran war as a possible "crime."
The White House and FCC have downplayed the backlash, with Carr maintaining that he is enforcing the law in an evenhanded manner. He claims that the Disney license probe was prompted by the company's lack of responsiveness to an investigation into its diversity policies, rather than Trump's displeasure with Kimmel. An FCC spokesperson stated that the agency "remains focused on delivering great results for the American people," citing improvements such as faster internet speeds, lower prices, and increased competition.
The White House has also expressed support for the FCC, with spokesperson Kush Desai stating that "The FCC under Chairman Brendan Carr is doing a fantastic job, and the Trump administration remains committed to the FCC's mission of ensuring radio, broadband, and wireless communication access for the American people."
Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz has emerged as a key figure in the efforts to restrain the FCC, having expressed skepticism about Carr's actions and the agency's underlying powers. While not advocating for the FCC's abolition, Cruz has proposed reining in the agency's broad public interest authority, as well as the news distortion rule, which he referred to as its "wretched offspring." Cruz argued that "Democrat or Republican, we cannot have the government arbitrating truth or opinion."
In June, Cruz introduced legislation alongside Sen. Ron Wyden aimed at preventing government officials from coercing broadcast and social media companies over their content choices. The bill would allow individuals to file federal lawsuits against government leaders if they feel their free speech rights have been violated. Cruz stated that he wants to ensure the FCC focuses on its core responsibilities, acknowledging that the agency performs important functions, such as the current historic spectrum auction.
Wyden emphasized the broad coalition supporting the legislation, which he hopes will create a "healthier balance" and rein in Carr's actions. He noted that "The First Amendment is really having a day in the sun right now," and expressed optimism about the bill's prospects, saying "I think we've got a real chance to move this. I think it's time."
However, the prospects for Cruz's efforts remain uncertain, with Congressional Republicans largely backing Carr. Cruz has acknowledged that the timing for advancing the legislation is uncertain, which could be a challenge in a midterm year with limited legislative days. Other top Republicans are considering possible changes to FCC law, but their focus is on stripping outdated provisions rather than confronting Carr's authority over media.
House Energy and Commerce telecom subcommittee Chair Richard Hudson stated that abolishing the FCC is unlikely to be a priority, given the current political landscape. However, he left the door open to considering changes led by conservatives like Cruz, saying "If it's a priority for Sen. Cruz, I'd certainly be happy to look at it." Cruz remains hopeful that the issue of free speech can bring people together, saying "I would hope free speech would bring us all together, but we'll see."
Democrats have been quick to praise Senator Ted Cruz's efforts to push back against Brendan Carr, associating him with a growing conservative backlash against the FCC's evolving role. New Mexico Senator Ben Ray Luján, the top Democrat on the Commerce telecom subcommittee, expressed his support for Cruz's stance, stating that Carr's actions have eroded trust in the agency. Luján noted that Cruz's criticism of Carr is not surprising, given the commissioner's partisan approach and disregard for the First Amendment.
The Supreme Court has also weighed in on the issue, with Justice Neil Gorsuch expressing concern about the vast powers wielded by agencies like the FCC. In a concurring opinion, Gorsuch cited the FCC's warnings to TV stations about "late-night comedy" as an example of the agency's overreach. He called on Congress and the courts to limit the agency's authority, warning that unchecked power could be used for nakedly political ends.
However, not all conservatives share Cruz's skepticism about the FCC. Daniel Suhr, who heads the Center for American Rights, defends the agency as a necessary check on media oligopolies. Suhr argues that the FCC is essential for promoting competition and diversity in the media landscape, and that abolishing it would be a mistake.
According to Jeff Westling, a senior scholar at the International Center for Law & Economics, abolishing the FCC is unlikely to happen anytime soon. However, the current debate about the agency's powers could eventually lead to reforms, particularly in the area of broadcast regulation. Westling notes that the FCC's existing authority is already quite broad, and that some people are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the agency's ability to exert control over the media landscape.
The FCC's recent actions have sparked a renewed debate about the agency's role in regulating speech and its potential for abuse of power. Many conservatives are joining liberals in questioning the agency's authority, citing concerns about censorship and the erosion of free speech. The fact that Carr has been willing to use rarely exercised powers to target specific stations and shows has raised eyebrows on both sides of the aisle.
The concept of "public interest" has been at the center of the debate, with Carr citing it as the reason for calling in the licenses of Disney-owned TV stations. However, critics argue that this mandate is too vague and open to interpretation, allowing the FCC chair to wield significant power over the media landscape. The last time the FCC revoked a TV station license was in the 1980s, highlighting the unprecedented nature of Carr's actions.
The growing criticism of the FCC has been fueled by the rapid evolution of technology, which has transformed the way people consume information and communicate. Many argue that the agency's role in regulating traditional media is no longer relevant in the digital age. As American Enterprise Institute senior fellow Mark Jamison noted, the reasons for having an independent agency like the FCC have declined, and it's time to rethink its purpose.
Carr's willingness to engage in politics and his close relationship with Trump have also raised concerns about the agency's independence. His appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference, where he declared that Trump is "winning" against the "fake news media," has been seen as a clear indication of his partisan leanings. The fact that he has been willing to use the FCC's powers to target specific individuals and shows has led some to call for the agency's abolition.
The backlash against the FCC has been building for months, with conservative groups and lawmakers joining the chorus of criticism. In September, Carr's threat to take action against Jimmy Kimmel sparked outrage, and the subsequent removal of Kimmel's show from the airwaves only added to the controversy. Since then, a growing number of voices on the right have called for the FCC to be abolished or significantly reformed.
While the prospect of abolishing the FCC may seem unlikely, the growing discontent with the agency's actions has sparked a long-overdue debate about its role and relevance in the modern media landscape. As the agency's powers and authority continue to be questioned, it remains to be seen whether the FCC can adapt to the changing times and find a new purpose, or if it will become a relic of the past.
Many Democrats would likely oppose abolishing the FCC, instead favoring robust regulatory oversight of consumer protection issues such as robocalls and equitable internet access. However, the outcry has exposed a persistent divide among Republicans regarding the agency's role, with some advocating for deregulation as a means to curb Carr's influence.
Some critics, like Thierer, have been vocal about their desire to see the FCC abolished, with Thierer writing on social media in April that "Mr. Carr, please say even crazier autocratic stuff so we can finally get the FCC abolished." This was in response to Carr reposting a Trump social media post denouncing a CNN headline about the Iran war as a possible "crime."
The White House and FCC have downplayed the backlash, with Carr maintaining that he is enforcing the law in an evenhanded manner. He claims that the Disney license probe was prompted by the company's lack of responsiveness to an investigation into its diversity policies, rather than Trump's displeasure with Kimmel. An FCC spokesperson stated that the agency "remains focused on delivering great results for the American people," citing improvements such as faster internet speeds, lower prices, and increased competition.
The White House has also expressed support for the FCC, with spokesperson Kush Desai stating that "The FCC under Chairman Brendan Carr is doing a fantastic job, and the Trump administration remains committed to the FCC's mission of ensuring radio, broadband, and wireless communication access for the American people."
Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz has emerged as a key figure in the efforts to restrain the FCC, having expressed skepticism about Carr's actions and the agency's underlying powers. While not advocating for the FCC's abolition, Cruz has proposed reining in the agency's broad public interest authority, as well as the news distortion rule, which he referred to as its "wretched offspring." Cruz argued that "Democrat or Republican, we cannot have the government arbitrating truth or opinion."
In June, Cruz introduced legislation alongside Sen. Ron Wyden aimed at preventing government officials from coercing broadcast and social media companies over their content choices. The bill would allow individuals to file federal lawsuits against government leaders if they feel their free speech rights have been violated. Cruz stated that he wants to ensure the FCC focuses on its core responsibilities, acknowledging that the agency performs important functions, such as the current historic spectrum auction.
Wyden emphasized the broad coalition supporting the legislation, which he hopes will create a "healthier balance" and rein in Carr's actions. He noted that "The First Amendment is really having a day in the sun right now," and expressed optimism about the bill's prospects, saying "I think we've got a real chance to move this. I think it's time."
However, the prospects for Cruz's efforts remain uncertain, with Congressional Republicans largely backing Carr. Cruz has acknowledged that the timing for advancing the legislation is uncertain, which could be a challenge in a midterm year with limited legislative days. Other top Republicans are considering possible changes to FCC law, but their focus is on stripping outdated provisions rather than confronting Carr's authority over media.
House Energy and Commerce telecom subcommittee Chair Richard Hudson stated that abolishing the FCC is unlikely to be a priority, given the current political landscape. However, he left the door open to considering changes led by conservatives like Cruz, saying "If it's a priority for Sen. Cruz, I'd certainly be happy to look at it." Cruz remains hopeful that the issue of free speech can bring people together, saying "I would hope free speech would bring us all together, but we'll see."
Democrats have been quick to praise Senator Ted Cruz's efforts to push back against Brendan Carr, associating him with a growing conservative backlash against the FCC's evolving role. New Mexico Senator Ben Ray Luján, the top Democrat on the Commerce telecom subcommittee, expressed his support for Cruz's stance, stating that Carr's actions have eroded trust in the agency. Luján noted that Cruz's criticism of Carr is not surprising, given the commissioner's partisan approach and disregard for the First Amendment.
The Supreme Court has also weighed in on the issue, with Justice Neil Gorsuch expressing concern about the vast powers wielded by agencies like the FCC. In a concurring opinion, Gorsuch cited the FCC's warnings to TV stations about "late-night comedy" as an example of the agency's overreach. He called on Congress and the courts to limit the agency's authority, warning that unchecked power could be used for nakedly political ends.
However, not all conservatives share Cruz's skepticism about the FCC. Daniel Suhr, who heads the Center for American Rights, defends the agency as a necessary check on media oligopolies. Suhr argues that the FCC is essential for promoting competition and diversity in the media landscape, and that abolishing it would be a mistake.
According to Jeff Westling, a senior scholar at the International Center for Law & Economics, abolishing the FCC is unlikely to happen anytime soon. However, the current debate about the agency's powers could eventually lead to reforms, particularly in the area of broadcast regulation. Westling notes that the FCC's existing authority is already quite broad, and that some people are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the agency's ability to exert control over the media landscape.
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