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Administration of Trump criticized by Obama over threats towards host of Kimmel

Ex-president condemns intense rise in hazardous warnings towards ABC and other media organizations as alarming increase.

Obama Criticizes Trump Administration's Threats Towards Kimmel, Made by Trump
Obama Criticizes Trump Administration's Threats Towards Kimmel, Made by Trump

Administration of Trump criticized by Obama over threats towards host of Kimmel

In a time where unflinching, fact-based journalism is more crucial than ever, HuffPost is reaching out to its readers for support. For two decades, the online publication has been a beacon of fearless, relentless reporting, and it seeks to continue its mission.

The call for support comes in the wake of recent events involving the targeting of media companies by the Trump administration. Most notably, the temporary pause of Jimmy Kimmel's show on ABC due to conservative backlash and threats from FCC Chair Brendan Carr.

Carr, who is the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), raised the possibility of revoking broadcast licenses of individual stations. This action was part of Carr's efforts as FCC chair to challenge certain media outlets perceived as critical of President Trump.

Barack Obama, the former U.S. President, denounced this targeting of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' and the Trump administration's broader efforts to curb media freedom. In a tweet, Obama emphasized the need for media companies to stand up against government coercion, as it contradicts the principles the First Amendment was designed to uphold.

Obama also criticized the firing of opinion columnist Karen Attiah from The Washington Post, citing it as a form of government coercion that the First Amendment was designed to prevent. Attiah was dismissed after sharing social media posts on gun violence and racial double standards.

Nexstar, a company with a merger pending FCC approval, announced it would stop airing Kimmel due to concerns over his comments. This decision was met with criticism from Obama, who saw it as a dangerous precedent for media companies to cave to government pressure.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, HuffPost remains committed to its mission of providing unflinching, fact-based journalism. The publication's initial support helped bolster its newsroom during uncertain times, and it is asking for continued help as it moves forward.

In a challenging environment, HuffPost's unwavering commitment to truth and transparency serves as a reminder of the importance of a free and independent press. As Obama stated, "We cannot allow our democracy to be undermined by those who seek to silence voices that challenge them."

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