Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr's decision to initiate an early renewal review of Disney's broadcast licenses is creating divisions within the Republican Party, with some lawmakers expressing concern about potential government censorship while others defend his authority to investigate diversity practices.
Carr cited Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion practices as the reason for the accelerated license review. However, critics argue the timing suggests retaliation for a joke Jimmy Kimmel made about First Lady Melania Trump during a White House Correspondents' Dinner preview, reported Politico.
Kimmel quipped that Melania had a "glow like an expectant widow," referencing the 24-year age difference between the Trumps, but President Donald Trump denounced the comment as a "despicable call to violence" in light of a shooting that occurred at the dinner Saturday night.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) whose Commerce Committee oversees the FCC, left open the possibility of questioning Carr, reiterating his longstanding opposition to government involvement in regulating speech. "The federal government should not engage in censorship, that it is not the FCC's role to be the speech police," Cruz said Wednesday.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) similarly expressed skepticism, stating the FCC "probably shouldn't be involved with regulating humor."
However, most Republicans either downplayed Carr's action or defended it as routine regulatory authority. Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) characterized the licensing review as a standard exercise of FCC power, while Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) affirmed Carr's authority to conduct such reviews.
The National Association of Broadcasters strongly criticized the move, with CEO Curtis LeGeyt calling it "nearly unprecedented" and warning it "creates significant uncertainty for all broadcasters."
An FCC spokesperson responded that the action addressed alleged discriminatory DEI conduct, including claims Disney created racially segregated spaces and established racial preferences or quotas.
Far-right supporters including MAGA influencer Benny Johnson backed Carr's efforts, arguing taxpayers shouldn't fund programming they object to. Meanwhile, at least one liberal advocacy group called for Carr's impeachment.