Ted Cruz draws a comparison between the intimidation tactics of the ABC network by the ICC commissioner to those of a mafia leader | Ted Cruz

Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, compared the threats made by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Brendan Carr to revoke the broadcast licenses of ABC stations over critical remarks made by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel to tactics seen in the mobster movie Goodfellas. Cruz views this as a granular implication of the First Amendment and criticized Carr’s words as dangerous, arguing that government efforts to police speech may harm conservatives if Democrats regain power. Despite his strong disagreement with Kimmel’s comments, Cruz expressed concern over the precedent such actions could set. President Trump, in a separate event, echoed concerns about the airwaves being used “illegally” for critical coverage of his administration, praising Carr’s stance and disagreeing with Cruz’s perspective. The controversy ignited discussions on the balance between free speech and regulatory authority.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/19/ted-cruz-jimmy-kimmel-abc-fcc-mafia