Trump Backs FCC in Clash Over Jimmy Kimmel Suspension
ABC Suspends Kimmel After Controversial Remarks
ABC announced it was suspending late-night host Jimmy Kimmel “indefinitely” after backlash over comments he made about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel suggested on air that the suspect was a Trump supporter, but Utah authorities stated the accused had been influenced by “leftist ideology.”
FCC Warns Broadcasters of Consequences
The suspension followed pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Its chair, Brendan Carr—appointed by President Donald Trump—called Kimmel’s remarks “the sickest conduct possible.” Carr warned ABC and other broadcasters to either change their approach or face tougher action.
Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One after a state visit to the UK, went further by questioning whether networks critical of him should keep their licenses.
“They give me only bad publicity. Maybe their license should be taken away,” he said.
Free Speech Concerns Grow
The FCC’s threats have triggered alarm among legal experts and free speech advocates. The US Constitution’s First Amendment protects broadcasters from losing licenses based on political views, and many argue the administration’s stance sets a dangerous precedent.
Former President Barack Obama said Trump had taken cancel culture “to a new and dangerous level” by using regulatory threats to silence critics.
Hollywood and Media Industry React
Kimmel’s suspension drew strong reactions from across the entertainment industry. Writers, actors, and late-night hosts voiced concern over censorship. Stephen Colbert labeled the move “blatant censorship,” while Jon Stewart mocked the situation by calling himself a “patriotically obedient host” and referring to Trump as “dear leader.”
Actors Ben Stiller and Jean Smart expressed their disappointment, and the Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild both condemned the decision as an attack on free speech.
Calls for Accountability, Not Censorship
Others defended ABC’s move, arguing Kimmel should face responsibility for his words. Media figure Dave Portnoy said:
“When someone says something offensive and faces consequences, that’s not cancel culture—it’s accountability.”
Fox host Greg Gutfeld accused Kimmel of deliberately misleading viewers, while British broadcaster Piers Morgan argued the comedian caused “outrage all over America” with false claims about Kirk’s killer.
Networks Distance Themselves From Kimmel
Nexstar Media, one of the largest US TV station owners, said it would not air Kimmel’s show “for the foreseeable future,” calling his remarks “offensive and insensitive.” The company is currently seeking FCC approval for a $6.2 billion merger with Tegna. Sinclair, the biggest ABC affiliate group, announced plans to air a tribute to Charlie Kirk during Kimmel’s usual time slot.
The Killing of Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk, a well-known conservative activist and father of two, was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. A 22-year-old man has been charged with aggravated murder, with prosecutors confirming they will seek the death penalty.
A Debate Beyond Late-Night TV
The controversy surrounding Kimmel’s suspension has now grown into a broader debate about press freedom and government overreach. While Trump and the FCC continue to press for accountability, critics warn that using regulatory threats against media companies risks undermining the very foundation of free speech in the United States.