Brendan Carr, a senior Republican commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission, criticized Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” calling it a “clear and blatant effort” to sidestep the FCC’s Equal Time rule. This rule is intended to ensure that broadcasters give comparable airtime to all candidates, aiming to prevent networks from favoring one political figure over another. Carr alleged that NBC planned Harris’ appearance strategically, airing it just days before the upcoming election to give her a publicity boost without offering equal opportunity to opposing candidates.

Carr emphasized that this appearance highlights why the Equal Time rule exists, stating, “The purpose of the rule is to avoid exactly this type of biased and partisan conduct — a licensed broadcaster using the public airwaves to exert its influence for one candidate on the eve of an election.” During her SNL segment, Harris interacted with her impersonator, Maya Rudolph, and made lighthearted comments about voter turnout. However, the segment’s timing, content, and close proximity to Election Day led Carr to accuse NBC of undermining the rule and creating an unfair media advantage for Harris.

In response, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung criticized Harris, claiming she is turning to celebrity appearances on “Saturday Night Leftists” to distract from her “failed policies.” Both campaigns and NBC have been approached for comments, but NBC has previously said that inviting active candidates is challenging under election law provisions.