FCC Chair Brendan Carr has urged broadcasters to air “patriotic, pro-America content” as part of a voluntary “Pledge America Campaign” ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The initiative encourages programming that promotes civic education, national pride, and U.S. history, including public service announcements, historical specials, music by American composers, or recitations of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Critics argue the campaign risks government overreach into media content and could infringe on the First Amendment, especially since some broadcasters have pending FCC approvals that might influence compliance.

CBS host Stephen Colbert recently criticized the network for allegedly complying with Carr’s guidance, though both CBS and Carr denied the claims, Politico has reported.

Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez condemned the initiative, emphasizing that defending constitutional rights and resisting government interference is itself patriotic.