Senator Ted Cruz has emerged as an unlikely ally of Jimmy Kimmel, after the Federal Communications Commission reacted angrily to a joke made by the comedian about Melania Trump. The Texas Republican told Punchbowl News Tuesday, "It is not the government's job to censor speech, and I do not believe the FCC should operate as the speech police."
Background of the Controversy
Kimmel delivered a mock White House Correspondent's dinner speech on his show Jimmy Kimmel Live! during which he described the First Lady as having a "glow like an expectant widow" – sparking backlash from the GOP. Days after the show aired, a gunman stormed the real press gala in Washington D.C. in an apparent attempt to shoot President Donald Trump and other high-ranking administration officials before being apprehended by the Secret Service.
FCC Action
On Tuesday, the FCC demanded an early review of eight ABC TV licenses held by parent company Disney to determine if the broadcaster violated its "prohibition on unlawful discrimination." FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, an ally of the president, had previously hinted that Disney's broadcast license might be reviewed over its DEI policies. However, his renewed calls came following Kimmel's joke, which drew public condemnation from officials including Trump, the First Lady, and other top figures in the administration, especially after Saturday's attack.
Melania Trump's Response
In a rare statement, Melania Trump described Kimmel's monologue as "hateful and violent rhetoric … intended to divide our country." She wrote on X, "People like Kimmel shouldn't have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate. Enough is enough… How many times will ABC's leadership enable Kimmel's atrocious behavior at the expense of our community."
Cruz's Consistent Stance
Cruz also criticized the FCC last September when Kimmel was briefly taken off the air following comments about the death of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk. The backlash caused global repercussions for Disney, including complaints to ABC and its affiliates in Australia and Europe. At the time, Cruz said, "I hate what Jimmy Kimmel said, I am thrilled that he was fired. But let me tell you: If the government gets in the business of saying, 'We don't like what you, the media, have said; we're going to ban you from the airwaves if you don't say what we like'—that will end up bad for conservatives."
