The Freedom of the Press Foundation has filed a disciplinary complaint against Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr, alleging he violated legal ethics rules in a politically motivated effort to pressure news organizations and benefit President Trump. The nonprofit watchdog submitted the complaint Monday night to the District of Columbia Bar’s disciplinary council, accusing Carr of abusing his authority as both a licensed attorney and federal official.
The complaint focuses on Carr’s involvement in the FCC’s approval of the $8 billion merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, which followed Paramount’s controversial $16 million settlement with Trump over a “60 Minutes” lawsuit. Carr had previously revived an FCC inquiry into that interview. The filing claims Carr used the FCC to pressure Paramount into settling what it calls a meritless lawsuit, paving the way for the merger’s approval. It accuses him of dishonesty, abusing public office for political gain, and interfering with justice by targeting news outlets, including MSNBC, ABC, NBC, and public broadcasters, with investigations. The complaint argues Carr has turned the FCC into a censorship tool serving Trump’s agenda. The D.C. Bar has not yet commented, and Carr has not responded publicly. If the complaint is pursued, it could lead to sanctions including disbarment.