Senators Markey and Schumer Slam Trump Admin's Censorship of Media Organizations

Strategic Insights -

At a press conference held at the U.S. Capitol, Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) condemned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr for his censorship of comedian Jimmy Kimmel and the FCC's attacks on free speech. The senators were joined by Deirdre Schifeling, Chief Political and Advocacy Officer of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and Clayton Weimers, Executive Director of Reporters Without Borders. The incident has sparked a heated debate about the role of the FCC in regulating free speech and the media.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FCC's censorship of Jimmy Kimmel's monologue on ABC has led to widespread criticism from senators and advocacy groups.
  • Senator Markey stated that the First Amendment protects the right of Americans to speak freely, criticize their leaders, and entertain without fear of government reprisal.
  • The press conference was attended by Deirdre Schifeling of the ACLU and Clayton Weimers of Reporters Without Borders, who emphasized the importance of defending free speech and the press.
  • Senator Markey led a letter signed by seven colleagues to Chairman Carr, urging the FCC to cease its censorship of media organizations.
  • Senator Markey also requested unanimous consent to pass a resolution condemning Chairman Carr's censorship of Kimmel, but was objected to by Senator Markwayne Mullin.

Statistics:

  • Seven senators signed a letter to Chairman Carr urging the FCC to cease its censorship of media organizations.
  • Senator Markey's resolution to condemn Chairman Carr's censorship of Kimmel was objected to by Senator Markwayne Mullin.
  • The press conference was held at the U.S. Capitol on September 19, 2025.

Sources:

  • "United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey"
  • "Washington (September 19, 2025) -- Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) today slammed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr for his censorship of Jimmy Kimmel this week and the FCC's unconstitutional attacks on free speech at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol."
  • "full press conference can be viewed here"
  • "Since when did the FCC become the arbiter of truth in this country? The United States should be a model for free expression. Yet when a government official threatens comedians and news organizations, we begin to resemble the very governments we criticize."