The FCC, particularly its Chairman Brendan Carr, strongly reacted to Jimmy Kimmel's remarks regarding the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Carr called Kimmel's comments "truly sick" and suggested they misled the public about the circumstances of the shooting. He indicated a strong case for action against ABC and its affiliates, which broadcast Kimmel's show, given that broadcasters hold FCC licenses requiring them to act in the public interest. Carr described the decision by some local broadcasters like Nexstar and Sinclair to stop airing Kimmel's show as an "unprecedented" act of standing up to what he called "progressive foie gras" from major media companies. He threatened possible FCC sanctions against ABC affiliates and implied that broadcasters not serving public interest should return their licenses to the FCC. Following this, ABC suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" indefinitely. His comments sparked controversy over free speech and FCC overreach, with critics accusing Carr of government coercion in media content decisions—a move seen as part of the broader political influence exerted by the Trump administration on media regulation.

In summary, the FCC did not order a direct cancellation but used strong regulatory pressure and public statements to influence ABC affiliates to pull the show, resulting in Kimmel's indefinite suspension.