Senators Blumenthal and Warren Demand Transparency from FCC Chairman Over Alleged Abuse of Power

The U.S. senators are calling for an explanation of the Federal Communications Commission's actions, which they believe have resulted in the chilling of First Amendment-protected speech and independent news reporting. The FBI's actions have been questioned in recent letters to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, which have gone unanswered. The senators are requesting a public forum to bring transparency to the American people regarding the FCC's actions, including the agency's investigations of entities perceived to be opposed to President Trump and its approval of a Paramount merger after the company paid President Trump $16 million in a settlement.

Key Takeaways:

• U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) wrote to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, expressing concerns over the FCC's alleged abuse of power and its potential to chill First Amendment-protected speech and independent news reporting.
• The senators argue that the FCC's actions, including its investigations of entities perceived to be opposed to President Trump and its approval of a Paramount merger after the company paid President Trump $16 million, may be unlawful and an abuse of authority.
• The senators are requesting a public forum to bring transparency to the American people regarding the FCC's actions, which they believe are a threat to freedom of speech.
• Senator Blumenthal previously wrote to the FCC twice, questioning the agency's investigations of entities perceived to be opposed to President Trump and demanding information and records to clarify the agency's actions.
• Senator Warren wrote to Paramount Chair Shari Redstone, questioning whether Paramount may have been engaging in potentially illegal conduct involving the FCC in exchange for approval of its merger.
• The senators are concerned that the FCC's actions may be a violation of the law and the public trust, and are seeking answers regarding the agency's role in the scandal.

Statistics:

• On September 15, 2025, Jimmy Kimmel made comments about the reaction to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, which led to the FCC's pressure on ABC to take his show off the air indefinitely.
• The FCC's approval of Paramount's merger with Skydance Media LLC came just three weeks after the company settled a lawsuit with President Trump for $16 million.
• Senator Blumenthal wrote to the FCC twice, questioning the agency's investigations of entities perceived to be opposed to President Trump, but received no satisfactory responses.
• Senator Warren's investigation into Paramount's settlement with Trump concluded that the company may have engaged in potentially illegal conduct involving the FCC in exchange for approval of its merger.

Sources:

• Letter from The Hon. Richard Blumenthal, Ranking Member, Permanent Subcomm. on Investigations to Mr. Patrick Webre, Acting Bureau Chief, Enforcement Bureau and Ms. Erin Boone, Acting Bureau Chief, Media Bureau, Fed. Communications Commission (Mar. 12, 2025), https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025-3-12-Letter-from-Sen.-Richard-Blumenthal-to-Patrick-Webre-and-Erin-Boone.pdf
• Letter from The Hon. Elizabeth Warren to Shari Redstone, Chair, Paramount Global (May 19, 2025), https://www.warren.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/letter_to_paramount_re_cbs_lawsuit_and_corruption.pdf
• Letter from The Hon. Richard Blumenthal, Ranking Member, Permanent Subcomm. on Investigations to The Hon. Brendan Carr, Chairman, Fed. Communications Commission (July 29, 2025), https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025-07-29-Letter-from-Ranking-Member-Blumenthal-to-FCC-Chair-Brendan-Carr.pdf
• Letter from The Hon. Elizabeth Warren to David Ellison, CEO, Skydance Media (Jul. 21, 2025), https://www.warren.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/warren_sanders_wyden_letter_to_skydance_on_paramount_settlement.pdf