Trump administration criticized by Obama for promoting "suppression of dissenting views"
In a series of events that have sparked debate and controversy, ABC's late-night talk show hosted by Jimmy Kimmel has been indefinitely removed from the schedules of several major local station operators, including Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair.
The controversy stems from Kimmel's controversial remarks about the death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Following these comments, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump supporter, criticized Kimmel and warned of potential license revocations for the companies airing the show. This move has been seen as an escalation of previous measures and has raised concerns about the path of authoritarianism in the United States.
Carr's statements in a right-wing podcast suggest that he exerted pressure on the companies to act regarding Kimmel, stating that there would be 'extra work for the FCC' if they did not. Critics are now calling for Carr's resignation due to these allegations.
The FCC, with broad powers in the USA, including the issuance of broadcast licenses, is not allowed to engage in content-based censorship. However, the FCC's approval is necessary for Nexstar's plan to acquire more local stations. Sinclair, another major local station operator, demanded an apology from Kimmel to Kirk's family and a donation to Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama has criticized the government of Donald Trump for putting pressure on media companies with regulatory threats, if they do not silence or fire unwanted reporters and commentators. Obama's criticism was in response to the removal of Kimmel's show from the schedule, which Trump welcomed and called for other shows hosted by personalities he dislikes to be cancelled as well.
U.S. journalist Zack Beauchamp wrote an opinion piece stating that the Trump administration is instrumentalizing the oversight powers of federal agencies to punish unwanted voices. This sentiment was echoed by Obama, who expressed shock over the assassination of Charlie Kirk and warned that violence must never be a means of politics.
In a surprising turn of events, a tribute to Charlie Kirk will air on Kimmel's time slot on Friday. Whether this move will appease the critics remains to be seen. The cancellation of Kimmel's talk show continues to be a topic of discussion and concern, with many questioning the role of regulatory bodies in shaping the media landscape.
Read also:
- Mohammad Yousuf publically labeled Suryakumar Yadav as a "pig," an unusual slur Yousuf explained.
- Today's most impactful photographic moments
- Support for Eric Adams in The Post's Letters to the Editor on August 13, 2025
- Roosting Shark and Rambunctious Red Squirrels: Unconventional House Rental in Yorkshire Involving Aquatic Marvel, Squirrely Mayhem, and Mystical Planning Regulations
