Freedom of the Press Foundation Files Disciplinary Complaint Against Brendan Carr, Alleges Ethics Violations

The Freedom of the Press Foundation has filed a disciplinary complaint letter against Brendan Carr, accusing the Federal Communications Commission chair of violating legal ethics rules in what the nonprofit watchdog describes as a politically motivated campaign to pressure news organizations and benefit President Trump. In a letter submitted to the District of Columbia Bar’s disciplinary council and obtained by Oliver Darcy’s newsletter Status, the nonpartisan group alleges Carr abused his authority as a licensed attorney and federal official to intimidate media outlets, misrepresent the law, and enable what it called a “shakedown” of Paramount Global. The complaint centers on Carr’s role in the FCC’s approval of the $8 billion merger between Paramount and Skydance Media, which followed a controversial $16 million settlement paid by Paramount to Trump over the “60 Minutes” lawsuit. Chairman Carr had revived an FCC inquiry into that interview months earlier. “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 complaint reads. “This conduct violates core ethical rules governing honesty, misuse of office, and interference with justice.”