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Rep. Khanna moves to subpoena FCC chief over free speech
Khanna described FCC’s pressure on ABC to act against late-night host Jimmy Kimmel as the largest assault on the First Amendment and free speech in modern history
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Malvika Choudhary - Sat, 20, Sep 2025
- 11:07 EDT
- 27
Congressman Ro Khanna / File Photo
Indian American congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17) introduced a motion to subpoena Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr in the House Oversight Committee.
Khanna’s move came after Carr allegedly pressured ABC to act against late-night host Jimmy Kimmel for remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, leading Disney-owned ABC to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely. Committee Chairman James Comer agreed to work on bringing Carr before the panel.
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“This administration has initiated the largest assault on the First Amendment and free speech in modern history. They’re making comedy illegal,” Khanna said during the hearing, adding that Congress must stand up to what he described as intimidation of private businesses.
Khanna also criticized attorney general Pam Bondi for prosecuting hate speech, which he noted remains constitutionally protected, and accused Vice President JD Vance of urging Americans to report offensive online posts to employers while threatening political organizations.
“We are Article One of the Constitution – not foot lackeys for Donald Trump and JD Vance. It is time that we stand up for our constitutional role to defend the freedoms of Americans,” he said.
The controversy has drawn national attention after Kimmel, in a monologue following Kirk’s assassination, criticized political figures for their reactions. Carr responded by accusing ABC of airing “misleading” and “distorted” content and warned of possible regulatory consequences, including fines and license reviews, if affiliates continued to broadcast the show.
Several major affiliates complied, with Nexstar dropping the program entirely and Sinclair refusing to carry it unless “appropriate steps” were taken.
Civil liberties groups, including the ACLU condemned Carr’s actions as unconstitutional, warning that the use of regulatory pressure to silence speech threatens First Amendment protections.
Legal scholars have also cited the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling in National Rifle Association v. Vullo, which held that government officials cannot use coercive power to suppress speech they disfavor.
The issue has divided Republicans as well, with Senator Ted Cruz calling Carr’s tactics “dangerous” and comparing them to coercion. Carr has defended his approach by pointing to the FCC’s responsibility to ensure broadcasters meet their public-interest obligations.
The dispute has placed Disney and its affiliates in a difficult position, with critics cautioning that the episode sets a precedent for government interference in programming decisions. Khanna’s motion seeks to compel Carr to testify before Congress and explain his role, with the Oversight Committee expected to schedule proceedings in the coming weeks.
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