California Attorney General Rob Bonta today sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr strongly opposing his abuse of power and intimidation of television broadcasters — actions that preceded the suspension of comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show. In the letter, Attorney General Bonta urges Chairman Carr to stop his campaign of censorship and to fulfill his oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution, including the right to free speech protected under the First Amendment.

“Censoring and silencing critics because you don’t like what they say — be it a comedian, a lawyer, or a peaceful protester — is fundamentally un-American. Censorship stemming from the federal government of the United States is absolutely chilling. The Trump Administration is waging a dangerous attack on those who dare to speak out against it, and last week, that became crystal clear with the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show,” said Attorney General Bonta. “As a nation, we are stronger when we engage in a robust and diverse public discourse. And for leaders, criticism only makes us better. The use of threats and coercion by a government official to suppress protected speech is unacceptable. Today, I urge FCC Chairman Carr to reverse course, renounce his threats, and use his post to fulfill his obligation to the American people to support and defend the right to free speech protected under the First Amendment.