Trump’s FCC Nominee Faces Questions on Brendan Carr’s War With ABC, Kimmel

Danielle Severs, Donald Trump's selection for the Federal Communications Commission, was questioned during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on Tuesday regarding Chairman Brendan Carr's disputes with ABC and Jimmy Kimmel. Severs pledged to safeguard broadcasters' right to free speech while refusing to criticize her long-standing superior.

The hearing revisited the controversy surrounding ABC's September 2025 suspension of Kimmel, which took place hours after Carr cautioned broadcasters of possible regulatory repercussions due to Kimmel's remarks about Charlie Kirk's murder. Although ABC brought Kimmel back less than a week later, the conflict persisted, as Disney challenged the FCC's subsequent decision to require eight ABC-owned stations to seek early license renewals.

The agency argued for the reviews due to violations like unlawful discrimination, while ABC claimed the FCC and Trump administration were retaliating over its programming. Committee Chairman Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) brought up the ABC licensing dispute and asked Severs if she would pledge to make choices based on the law and the record rather than using the FCC's power to "pressure or punish a broadcaster for protected speech."

Severs answered in the affirmative. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) pointed to Carr's warning that broadcasters could face regulatory consequences for Kimmel's political commentary and asked Severs if the chairman had acted correctly. Severs refrained from offering an assessment, stating that Carr's words were not her own and that she had not advised Carr on the matter or worked with him on media-related issues.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) questioned whether a station's editorial decisions should influence license renewals. Severs agreed that broadcasters have First Amendment protections but argued the FCC could consider content when assessing compliance with public-interest duties. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) challenged Severs to provide an example of a disagreement she had with Carr during their years of collaboration.

Severs declined to give a specific instance. In response to TheWrap's inquiry about lawmakers' apprehensions over the FCC's handling of broadcasters, an agency spokesperson commended Severs' qualifications, stating, "She is an exceptionally talented and well qualified nominee. Under Chairman Carr's leadership, the FCC will continue to deliver great results for the American people."