Cruz Likens F.C.C. Chair’s ‘Threat’ to That of a Mafia Boss
The Republican senator warned that retaliating against media outlets over coverage that conservatives view as negative would set a “dangerous” precedent.
Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, on Friday harshly criticized Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, accusing him of mafia-like tactics and saying his threat to retaliate against media companies for speech on their airwaves was “dangerous as hell.”
Mr. Cruz was reacting to Mr. Carr’s threat to revoke ABC’s broadcast license because of remarks by the late-night host Jimmy Kimmel during a Monday night telecast about the assassination of the right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
The remarks from Cruz, who is closely aligned with the president and one of the most conservative members of the Senate, were the latest evidence that some on the right are deeply uncomfortable with their fellow Republicans’ efforts to clamp down on free speech by their political adversaries following Mr. Kirk’s death.
