Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr’s warning that television broadcasters could face scrutiny over their coverage of the U.S.’s war in Iran is drawing bipartisan criticism and prompting quiet concern among Republicans who fear the rhetoric could backfire politically heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

Carr wrote on social media Saturday that stations spreading “hoaxes and news distortions” about the conflict could face consequences when their broadcast licenses come up for renewal.