By Isabella Torregiani
2:39pm PDT, Jul 29, 2025
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The Freedom of the Press Foundation has filed a complaint against Federal Communications Commission chair
Brendan Carr, accusing him of violating legal ethics. The organization alleges that Carr used his position to threaten media outlets and assist in the "shakedown" of Paramount Global — raising serious concerns about potential misconduct.
Keep reading for more on the complaint… MORE:
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At the center of the complaint is Brendan Carr's involvement in the FCC's approval of the $8 billion merger between Paramount and Skydance Media. The deal followed a $16 million settlement between the film studio and President Donald Trump related to a 60 Minutes defamation case. According to the complaint, Carr "used the FCC as a tool to pressure Paramount into settling a meritless lawsuit with Trump, paving the way for the merger's approval." The letter argues that, "This conduct violates core ethical rules governing honesty, misuse of office, and interference with justice."
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The Freedom of the Press Foundation further accuses Brendan Carr of violating conduct rules, including those against prejudicial conduct and abuse of office for political purposes. The complaint references Carr's reported threats toward MSNBC, probes into ABC and NBC News and scrutiny of public broadcasting and immigration-related reporting.
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Brendan Carr, who previously stated he would work to advance President Donald Trump's agenda while at the FCC, is accused by the foundation of turning the agency into a "censoring machine" to serve that political mission. Neither Carr nor the D.C. Bar has publicly commented on the complaint. If the bar chooses to pursue, possible outcomes range from a formal reprimand to disbarment.
