Ted Cruz Condemns FCC’s Censorship of Jimmy Kimmel’s Melania Trump Joke

Senator Ted Cruz has defended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and his employer, Disney, following the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to scrutinize Disney’s broadcast licenses. The move comes after Kimmel made a joke about first lady Melania Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 27.

In his remarks, Kimmel said Melania Trump would “glow like an expectant widow” at the event. Days later, a gunman was apprehended by the Secret Service before he could attack the dinner.

“It is not government’s job to censor speech, and I do not believe the FCC should operate as the speech police,” Cruz told Punchbowl News on May 7.

On the same day, the FCC directed Disney’s eight ABC TV stations to file for early renewal of their broadcast licenses. The agency cited a potential violation of its “prohibition on unlawful discrimination.”

The timing of the FCC’s demand has raised concerns, as it follows public criticism from President Trump, Melania Trump, and other administration officials regarding Kimmel’s joke.

Weeks earlier, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr suggested Disney’s licenses could be at risk due to the company’s alleged diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. However, critics argue the FCC’s actions are politically motivated.

Cruz’s Previous Defense of Kimmel

Last September, Cruz also defended Kimmel and ABC after the FCC threatened to punish networks that aired Kimmel’s show over jokes about the Trump administration. At the time, Cruz stated on his podcast:

“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.”

Kimmel was suspended for one week last year but returned to his show. This time, the FCC’s scrutiny raises questions about whether Disney and Kimmel will face further penalties.

Will the FCC’s Actions Lead to Censorship?

The FCC’s latest move has sparked debate over government overreach and media censorship. Critics argue the agency is targeting Disney and Kimmel in response to political pressure from the Trump administration. If the FCC succeeds in revoking or restricting Disney’s licenses, it could set a precedent for future government interference in media speech.