Barack Obama is not keeping quiet. The former president just got into the Trump administration on Thursday after ABC suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live” following threats from the Federal Communications Commission.
“After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesn’t like,” Obama wrote on X. He linked to a Vox report, reposted by Yahoo News, which called the suspension “Trump’s most brazen attack on free speech yet.”
The strong criticism came just a day after ABC stopped production of the late-night show. The decision followed remarks by FCC chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, who warned networks, saying, “These companies can find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.”
FCC Pressure And Kimmel’s Fallout
The trouble started after Kimmel criticized MAGA supporters during Monday’s broadcast. He referenced the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and accused Trump loyalists of trying to distance themselves from the shooter. “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them,” Kimmel said.
Carr pushed back two days later on a podcast. He suggested that networks needed to clamp down or face regulatory headaches. Soon after, affiliates owned by Nexstar and Sinclair dropped the show. Nexstar is currently seeking FCC approval to acquire TV giant Tegna, while Sinclair has hinted at merger opportunities of its own. Both companies hold stakes that make FCC approval critical.
ABC then hit pause on production indefinitely, cutting off Kimmel’s voice in one of the most dramatic showdowns between a president’s administration and late-night television. Many have given their opinions already on this matter.
Barack Obama’s statement drew a clear line. He framed the suspension as a direct attack on free speech and warned about the precedent it sets. Trump, however, applauded the decision. On Truth Social, he mocked Kimmel’s ratings and urged NBC to do the same with other late-night hosts.
“Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED, Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT” Trump posted.
The clash has now moved beyond late-night comedy. It’s become another front in the fight over political speech, media pressure, and the boundaries of presidential power.
